Cebuano – English Dictionary

Since we are from Cebu, Philippines, every now and then we may use some terms that will look and sound really odd to you. Cebuano (aka Bisaya) is the first language we learned and it may spur interest to others for us to share some words. Now, we are obliged to put those in a list for your enlightenment.

Cebuano words we’ve used in the site (so far)

Habal-Habal  – is a motorcycle, modified to seat more than two persons. It is normally used in provinces in the Philippines where jeepneys and tricycles cannot stand the rough, steep terrain and narrow roads. Habal-Habal comes in different seating capacities. Some may seat a maximum of 13 persons (thank God I haven’t personally rode this habal-habal)

Sari-Sari Store – is a convenience store found in the Philippines. The word sari-sari is Tagalog meaning “variety”

Tsitsirya/Chichiria – another term for junk foods

Tricycle – a motorcycle with an extension compartment that can seat 4-6 people.

Trike/Traysikad – a bicycle with can extension compartment that can seat 4-6 people.

Jeepney – the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines

Common Cebuano words:
English – Cebuano

Persons
I – Ako
We – Kita
You – ikaw (singular); Kamo (plural)
Yours – Imoha
Wife – Asawa
Husband – Bana
They – Nila
Fellow – Bai

Everyday Conversation
Good day – Maayong adlaw
Good morning – Maayong buntag
Good noon – Maayong udto
Good afternoon – Maayong hapon
Good evening/night – Maayong gabii
Thank you – Salamat; salamat sa imo, salamat nimo
Thank you very much – Daghan kaayong salamat; salamat kayo
You are welcome – Wala’y sapayan
Please – Palihug
Come in – Dayon
Welcome – Maayong pag-abot
Excuse – Tabi
I am sorry – Gikasubo nako, Pasayloa ko
At once – Karon dayon
Later on – Taod-taod
By and by – Unya
Who – Kinsa
What – Unsa
Where – Asa
When – Kanus-a
What else – Unsa pa
Who else – Kinsa pa
Where else – Asa pa, Hain pa

Nature
Sun – Adlaw
Moon – Bulan
Star – Bitoon
Earth – Yuta, Kalibutan
Cloud –  Panganod
Rain – Uwan
Shower – Talithi, talisik, taligsik
Thunder – Dalogdog, dogdog
Lightning – Kilat, liti,
Flood – Lunop
Earthquake – Linog
Rainbow – Balangaw, bangaw

Numbers
Zero – Sero, wala
One – Usa
Two – Duha
Three – Tulo
Four – Upat
Five – Lima
Six – Unom
Seven – Pito
Eight – Walo
Nine – Siyam
Ten – Napulo, Pulo

Common Questions
What is your name – Unsa imong pangalan; Unsa’y pangalan nimo
Where are you – Asa ka
Where do you live – Asa ka gapuyo; Asa imong balay
Who are you – Kinsa ka; Si kinsa ka
What are you – Unsa ka man; Unsa man ka
What are you doing – Unsa’y imong gibuhat
How are you – Kumusta ka man
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend – Naa ka ba’y uyab; Aduna ka ba’y uyab
Where do you go to school – Asa ka ga eskwela
Where did you graduate – Asa ka ni graduate

ENJOY!

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