payo

Payo is a Filipino term that means advice or counsel. In Tagalog and many Philippine languages, payo refers to guidance offered to help someone decide what to do or how to act. It functions as a noun and is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in formal writing.

The related verb forms express the act of giving or seeking guidance. To give advice is commonly phrased as magbigay ng payo or magpayo, while to seek advice is humingi ng payo or humingi ng payo mula sa isang tao. Typical usages include describing the quality of the guidance received, as in “Binigyan niya ako ng mabuting payo,” meaning “He gave me good advice.” The word often appears in family or community contexts where elders or experienced individuals share practical guidance.

Etymology traces the word to native Filipino vocabulary, with its sense rooted in social practices of counseling and guidance within communities. While its core meaning is stable, payo can be broadened to include practical tips, recommendations, or moral guidance depending on context.

Payo plays a cultural role in Filipino communication, reflecting the value placed on thoughtful counsel in decision-making. It appears across conversations, literature, and media as a shorthand for the kind of practical or moral direction that someone provides to others.