Language reflects culture, and in the Philippines, it has a rich history and tells a powerful story of adaptability.
When you work with Filipino offshore experts, you’re not just getting top-tier developers, designers, marketers, and SDRs. You’re gaining globally minded teammates shaped by a unique blend of Asian roots and centuries of Western influence.
One of the clearest examples? The imprint of the Spanish language.
After more than 300 years of Spanish rule, thousands of Spanish words became part of the Filipino vocabulary, many of which are still used in daily life today. These words aren’t just linguistic leftovers, but reveal how Filipinos have learned to thrive in diverse cultural settings and collaborate across borders.
How does the Filipino language tie into work ethic and global readiness? Keep reading to find out!
10 Spanish Words That Are Now Filipino
Here are 10 Spanish-origin words that you’ll hear almost every day in the Philippines and what they reveal about Filipino culture and communication:
1. Mesa (Table)
Used in homes, offices, and schools, mesa refers to any kind of table, whether it’s where you eat, work, or study. The word reflects how central gathering and shared spaces are to Filipino culture. It’s where ideas (and meals) are exchanged.
2. Silya (Chair)
From silla, this word is often used instead of the native upuan. You’ll hear parents calling kids to the table with “Umupo ka sa silya” (“Sit on the chair”), a phrase as common at dinner as in a Zoom meeting.
3. Kutsara (Spoon)
Adapted from cuchara, this word is essential in Filipino households. Fun fact: Many Filipinos prefer eating with a kutsara’t tinidor (spoon and fork) rather than a knife and fork. It’s efficient and uniquely Filipino!
4. Tinidor (Fork)
From tenedor, this word completes the dining set. The kutsara-tinidor combo isn’t just about food, but it’s about the Filipino approach to making things practical, functional, and people-friendly.
5. Relos (Watch)
A localized version of reloj, relos is used for both wall clocks and wristwatches. You’ll even hear “Anong oras na sa relos mo?” (“What time is it on your watch?”).
6. Sapatos (Shoes)
From zapatos, this word is universal across all age groups. In Filipino culture, removing shoes before entering a home is a common practice, a subtle expression of respect, cleanliness, and humility.
7. Kotse (Car)
From coche, this word for car is frequently used across regions. You’ll hear it in traffic updates, commute plans, or casual conversations: “May sarili siyang kotse” (“He has his car”) is often said with pride because having a car is seen as respectable.
8. Lunes (Monday)
Like many Filipino calendar words, Lunes reflects the legacy of the Spanish language. Monday, the start of the week, sets the tone for productivity, something Filipino remote experts take seriously, especially in remote and global setups.
9. Kuwarto (Room)
From cuarto, kuwarto often refers to bedrooms, but it can also mean any private space. In a remote work culture, a kuwarto might double as a home office. It’s quiet, personal, and ready for focused productivity.
10. Eskwela (School)
From escuela, this word represents one of Spain’s most lasting impacts: formal education. Filipinos deeply value learning, reflected in their strong academic foundations and eagerness to grow in technical and professional skills.
These are 10 Spanish words that have been incorporated into the Filipino language. Why is it essential for you to know about this? It’s all about cultural adaptability and how you can improve the way your team and company work together.
Why Cultural Adaptability Matters in Offshore Work
Working with global teams isn’t just about skill. It’s about fit. Do your teammates understand your expectations? Can they adapt to your communication style? Will they bring empathy and initiative to a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment?
These are all vital questions to ask.
Filipino offshore professionals excel in all of these areas, not just because they’re trained to, but because their culture has shaped them to be globally minded. They know how to work across time zones, navigate language nuances, and collaborate with teams from around the world.
Filipinos are one of the most adaptable people in the world, so you won’t have trouble integrating them into your team.
So, how does this cultural insight impact your business? Let’s break it down.
Why It Matters to You as a Client
Language is just one reflection of the Philippines’ unique global blend. It points to a culture that’s open, adaptable, and deeply familiar with international influence. That’s one reason Filipino offshore experts consistently stand out. Without a doubt, Filipino offshore experts are culturally attuned to global business.
This is why at CoDev, you can be assured of exceptional Filipino developers, designers, SDRs, marketers, and more.
But what truly makes these professionals shine isn’t just their talent. These experts can collaborate with teams worldwide, bringing flexibility, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility to their work.
Build With People Who Know the World
Those Spanish words we learned are a glimpse into how adaptable and globally influenced Filipino culture is. The blend of cultures is evident every day in how Filipino professionals work: they’re skilled, easy to collaborate with, and adept at connecting across cultures.
At CoDev, we’ve seen this firsthand. We help you build teams that not only get the job done but also make working together feel easy.
If you’re ready to grow with a team that brings culture, talent, and heart, let’s talk! Book a free consultation now.
