Log inSign up

Oo, tama ka.

Oo, tama ka.
Yes, you are right.
FromLesson 4inHardcore Filipino

Breakdown of Oo, tama ka.

ay
to be
oo
yes
ka
you
tama
right
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Filipino grammar?”
Filipino grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Filipino

Master Filipino — from Oo, tama ka to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Filipino freeBrowse the full course

More from this lesson

mayoraspaMay oras pa tayo ngayon.walakayamunaWala pa siyang oras, kaya maghintay muna tayo.

Questions & Answers about Oo, tama ka.

How do I pronounce the word Oo?
  • It has two syllables: o-o. Do not stretch it into one long vowel.
  • Make a tiny break between the two o’s, like the break in English “uh-oh” but without the “uh”: [ʔo.ʔo].
  • Think “oh–oh” said quickly and smoothly.
Why is it spelled with two o’s? Is a single O okay?
  • Oo (two o’s) is the word for “yes.”
  • A single O is a different interjection used to call attention (like “Hey,” in “O, kumain ka na?”). Don’t use O when you mean “yes.”
When should I use Oo versus Opo?
  • Oo = plain/casual “yes.”
  • Opo = respectful/polite “yes,” used with elders, superiors, or strangers.
  • Keep the whole sentence consistent: casual “Oo, tama ka.” Polite “Opo, tama po kayo.”
What about po/ho and Oho?
  • po is the standard politeness particle; ho is a regional/colloquial variant (common in Manila).
  • Oho is a polite “yes,” parallel to opo, but opo is more common.
  • Match politeness throughout: “Opo, tama po kayo.” or “Oho, tama ho kayo.”
Why is there a comma after Oo?
  • It marks the natural pause after “Yes,” just like in English.
  • You can also write two sentences: “Oo. Tama ka.” Both are fine.
Why is it tama ka and not ka tama?
  • Tagalog prefers predicate-first order. The adjective tama (right/correct) is the predicate and ka (you) follows it.
  • ka is an enclitic pronoun and cannot start a sentence.
Can I say Ikaw ay tama or Ikaw ang tama?
  • Ikaw ay tama is grammatical but sounds formal or literary.
  • Ikaw ang tama emphasizes contrast (“you are the one who is right”).
  • Neutral, everyday speech uses Tama ka.
What’s the difference between ka and kayo here?
  • ka = you (singular, informal).
  • kayo = you (plural) or polite singular. Use kayo for respect.
  • Polite version: Tama po kayo. Avoid mixing registers like “Opo, tama ka.”
Can I add particles like po, nga, or naman? What do they do?
  • po/ho: add respect. Example: “Tama po kayo.”
  • nga: “indeed/you’re right (I concede).” Example: “Oo nga, tama ka.”
  • naman: softens/“you are right, though.” Example: “Tama ka naman.”
  • You can combine them politely: “Opo, tama nga po kayo.”
How do I ask “Am I right?” or “Are you right?” in Tagalog?
  • “Am I right?” = Tama ba ako?
  • “Are you right?” (informal singular) = Tama ka ba?
  • Polite: Tama po ba kayo?
Where is the stress in tama?
  • On the first syllable: TA-ma. Say “TA-ma,” not “ta-MA.”
  • In this sense (“correct/right”), there’s no final glottal stop.
Are there common synonyms for tama?
  • wasto = proper/correct (more formal): “Wasto ang sagot mo.”
  • tumpak = exact/precise: “Tumpak ka diyan!” (Right on!)
  • sakto = exactly/right on (colloquial): “Sakto ka diyan!”
How do I use tama before a noun, or intensify it?
  • Before a noun, use the linker: tamang. Examples: tamang sagot (correct answer), hindi tamang oras (not the right time).
  • To intensify: tamang-tama = exactly right. Example: “Tamang-tama ka.”
What’s the negative counterpart?
  • “No, you’re wrong.” = Hindi, mali ka.
  • Polite: Hindi po, mali po kayo.
  • mali = wrong/incorrect.
What intonation should I use?
  • As a statement, use falling intonation: “Oo, tama ka.” ↘
  • With enthusiasm: “Oo, tama ka!”
  • Rising on Oo? can mean “Really?” or a confirmatory “Yes?”
What are common mistakes to avoid?
  • Writing O instead of Oo for “yes.”
  • Pronouncing Oo as one long vowel instead of two syllables.
  • Mixing politeness levels (e.g., “Opo, tama ka”). Keep it consistently casual or polite.
  • Starting a sentence with ka, which is ungrammatical.
Can I drop ka and just say Tama?
  • Yes. Tama alone (“Right/Correct.”) is natural in context when it’s clear who you’re agreeing with.