Learn How To Speak Cebuano

Speaking Bisaya

I remembered my teacher in grade I, Ms. Mangubat, assigning me as the person listing down any student speaking the Cebuano dialect. My list was titled Speaking Bisaya. For every time you get caught speaking Cebuano you get to pay 5 centavos per word.

On the other hand as a traveller it pays to be familiar with the local dialect. So as not to be, as the locals jokingly call it... “ibaligya” meaning you can be sold without you knowing it.

Here are some of the most common expressions and important Cebuano Phrases that may come in handy:

I, Me - Ako.

You - Ikaw.

All, Everbody - Tanan.
Brother - Kuya.
Sister - Ate.
Uncle - Tiyo

Aunt -Tiya
Grandfather - Lolo.
Grandmother - lola.

Good morning maayong buntag
Good day maayong adlaw
Good afternoon maayong hapon

Good evening maayong gabii

Let's eat - Mangaon ta.
Its very expensive - Kamahal.
Its cheap - Kabarato.
Good - Maayo.
That's not Good - Dila na maayo.
Beautiful - Gwapa.

Handsome - Gwapo.
You’re so handsome - Kagwapo nimo.
You’re so beautiful - Kagwapa nimo.

Which bus for Cebu? Unsay sakyan nga bus padung Cebu?
Where is the bus stop? Asa man ta mag atang sa bus?
Where do I catch a jeepney? Asa ko musakay ug jeepney?
Where does this bus go? Asa man ni padolong ang bus?
Where do I get off? Asa ko manaog?
How much is the fare? Tagpila ang plete?

What is your name? - Unsa imong pangalan?
How old are you? - Pila imong edad?
Where do you live? - Asa ka nagpuyo?
What are you doing? - Unsa imong gibuhat?

Where is your restroom- Asa inyong CR?

I don't understand. - Wala ko kasabot.

Can you understand English? - Makasabot ka ug Ininglis? or 'Kasabot ka ug English?

Please say it in English. - Palihug Ininglisa lang. or English lang Palihug.

Please. - Palihug.

Thanks. -Salamat.

Speak slowly please. - Hinaya'g sulti palihug.

Sorry. - pasayloa ko

Yes. - O.

No. - Dilì or Dì

Maybe. - Tingali.

For a while. - Kadalì sà... or Kadiyot sà...

Wait. - Huwat...

I don't know. - Wala ko kahibaw..

What took you so long? - Nganong nadugay man ka?

You're too early! - Sayoha sad nimo uy!