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What are some common Bisaya phrases?
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- “Maayong adlaw!” = “Good day!” You say “Maayong adlaw!” as a general greeting. If you want to be more specific, here’s what to say depending on the time of the day
- “Kumusta?” = “How are you?” This is what you ask if you want to check in on someone.
- “Maayo ra / Okay ra” = “I’m fine” This is your reply to “Kumusta?”. If you’re not really fine, you can say “Dili maayo” or “Dili ko okay”.
- “Unsa imong ngalan?” = “What’s your name?” This is how you ask someone’s name in Bisaya.
- Greetings
- Addressing People
- Dining
- Getting Around
- Dealing with Vendors
Maayong buntag!
Good morning!
Maayong udto!
Good noon!
Maayong hapon!
Good afternoon!
Bai
This colloquial term is used to address a male friend (not necessarily related). Sentence: Salamat, bai! Translation: Thank you, my friend/brother!
Nong/Nang
These terms are used to address an elderly man or a male elder; mister/miss. Sentence: Kumusta, nong/nang? Translation: How are you, mister/miss?
Kuya/Ate
These terms are used to address an older brother/sister (not necessarily). Sentence: Pilay plete padung Oslob, kuya/ate? Translation: How much is the fare going to Oslob, bro/sis?
Pilay plete?
This phrase is used to ask how much the fare is. Common sentence: Pilay plete padung Moalboal? Translation: How much is the fare going to Moalboal?
Lugar lang
This phrase is used to tell the driver to find a spot to drop you off. Common sentence: Lugar lang ngari/ngara. Translation: Just drop me here/there.
Bayad
This word is used to express the intention to pay the driver/conductor with a gesture of giving the money. Sentence: Bayad. Loose translation: Here’s my fare.
Pila? Or Tagpila?
This word is used to ask how much something is. Common sentence: Pila ni/na? Translation: How much is this/that?
Unsa ni?
This phrase is used to ask what a thing is. Common sentence? Unsa ni? Translation: What is this? For updates, follow CEBU INSIDER on Facebook and Instagram.
Bisaya is one of the eight major languages in the Philippines and is prevalently spoken in the islands of Visayas and some parts of Mindanao. Travel like a local and enjoy the local scene with these Bisaya words and phrases to help you explore and mingle effortlessly among locals.
- “AMPING!” Amping means ‘stay safe!’ We usually use this when saying goodbye to someone or when we need to separate ways with our friends and loved ones.
- “MANGAON TA!” With the wide range of food options available in the region, no doubt eating has been the pastime of the majority of Cebuanos. As a sign of generosity, we say “Mangaon ta!”
- “PUHON” This word means “God-willing or hopefully”. Cebuanos are generally hopeful and optimistic, hence, “puhon” is expressed when you are hoping something will happen in the future.
- “Dasig” “Dasig”, often used as “Dasig Lang”, is a Cebuano word that means ‘take courage, hold on, never give up.’ “Bisa’g unsa pa kalisod sa panahon karon, dasig lang jud ta.”
Here are the common Bisaya phrases we have compiled, from everyday greetings, courtesies, conversation with a person, asking for some information, asking for directions, riding a jeepney, shopping and bargaining in the market and more.
May 28, 2022 · But, because Bisaya is such a wonderful language, there’s no reason we can’t use it every day, even when we’re not in Davao! When in Davao, join us instead of staring at us like we’re crazy probinsyanos. These are some basic Bisaya words, terms, and phrases to use (and avoid): ALSO READ: Filipino for Beginners.
