Question 1

What is Tarsier?

Accepted Answer

Tarsier is a gamified Tagalog learning app for iPhone. It teaches Filipino through roots, affixes, and real cultural context.

Question 2

Is Tarsier free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tarsier is free to download and use. Free users have an energy system that refills over time. Super Tarsier removes energy limits and ads for $4.99/month or $29.99/year.

Question 3

Is Tarsier good for heritage learners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tarsier was built for people who grew up hearing Tagalog but never learned to speak it fluently. The app starts with cultural basics like po and opo and builds from there, helping you reconnect with family through language.

Question 4

What are roots, affixes, and infixes?

Accepted Answer

Tagalog words are built by adding prefixes, suffixes, and infixes to root words. For example, the root luto (cook) becomes nagluto (cooked) or magluluto (will cook), and the root kain (eat) becomes kumain (ate) using the -um- infix. Learn the patterns, unlock the whole language.

Question 5

How many lessons does Tarsier have?

Accepted Answer

Tarsier launches with 9 chapters and over 30 lessons, with new content added regularly.

Question 6

Who made Tarsier?

Accepted Answer

Tarsier is built by Gathrean Dela Cruz, a Filipino-Canadian developer who grew up fluent in Tagalog. Every lesson, example, and cultural note is written by a native speaker, with a focus on how Filipinos actually speak.

Question 7

Is Tarsier available on Android?

Accepted Answer

Tarsier is currently iPhone only. An Android version is being considered based on demand.

Question 8

Will Tarsier support other Philippine languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tarsier plans to add Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) in future updates. These are the most widely spoken Philippine languages after Tagalog, and there are very few apps dedicated to teaching them.

Question 9

How can I report a bug or suggest a feature?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the feedback form at forms.gle/adYoTnyebY5sw5if7, join the Discord community at discord.gg/w2uPhB2CHn, or reach out on Twitter at twitter.com/gathrean.

Question 10

What does "Tarsier" mean?

Accepted Answer

The tarsier is a tiny primate native to the Philippines, known for its huge curious eyes. Our mascot is a tarsier who guides you through lessons. The name reflects the app's Filipino roots.

Learn Tagalog the Filipino way

Tarsier

Learn Tagalog
the Filipino way