Cebuano (Visaya) 101

Welcome to the Forum or better yet Welcome to the Philippines!

The Cebuano (Sugbuhanon) language is spoken in the many provinces in the Visayas (Cebu, Bohol Negros Oriental Siquijor, Southern Masbate, Biliran, Western Samar and Leyte) and Mindanao. An approximate 20 million Filipinos speak/write/understand/use the Cebuano (Sugbohanon) language.

In general, the Filipino people understand English well but many are too awkward to converse in the universal language. If you intend to visit some of the Philippines’ best destinations, it will be helpful to know some local Cebuano terms.

Some useful Cebuano words/phrases: (including the Filipino translation)

Basic Greetings
Maayong Buntag (Magandang Umaga)------------------ Good Morning
Maayong Hapon (Magandang Tanghali)----------------- Good Afternoon
Maayong Gabii (Magandang Gabi) ----------------------Good Evening
Maayong Pag abot (Maligayang Pagdating)------------- Welcome

Basic Conversation
Kadyot lang. Puwedeng mangutana?--------------------Excuse me. May I ask something?
Tagpila ‘ni? (Magkano po ito?)--------------------------How much is this?
Unsay orasa?(Anong oras na?)-------------------------What time is it?
Asa man ko? (Nasan ako?)-----------------------------Where am I?
Asa man ang CR?(Nasan po ang CR?)-------------------Where is the comfort room?

Impress the locals by using these phrases but notice that they'll respond in English while a Peace Corp Volunteer will speak in fluent Cebuano…Ain't it ironic?!

[The Dane]

We have a Taglish phrasebook coming out soon on these sites as well, we are currently waiting for the illustrations and design of the book to be finished.

Maybe a Cebuano counterpart would be a fun idea...

Originally Posted by smallbird

Welcome to the Forum or better yet Welcome to the Philippines!

The Cebuano (Sugbuhanon) language is spoken in the many provinces in the Visayas (Cebu, Bohol Negros Oriental Siquijor, Southern Masbate, Biliran, Western Samar and Leyte) and Mindanao. An approximate 20 million Filipinos speak/write/understand/use the Cebuano (Sugbohanon) language.

In general, the Filipino people understand English well but many are too awkward to converse in the universal language. If you intend to visit some of the Philippines’ best destinations, it will be helpful to know some local Cebuano terms.

Some useful Cebuano words/phrases: (including the Filipino translation)

Basic Greetings
Maayong Buntag (Magandang Umaga)------------------ Good Morning
Maayong Hapon (Magandang Tanghali)----------------- Good Afternoon
Maayong Gabii (Magandang Gabi) ----------------------Good Evening
Maayong Pag abot (Maligayang Pagdating)------------- Welcome

Basic Conversation
Kadyot lang. Puwedeng mangutana?--------------------Excuse me. May I ask something?
Tagpila ‘ni? (Magkano po ito?)--------------------------How much is this?
Unsay orasa?(Anong oras na?)-------------------------What time is it?
Asa man ko? (Nasan ako?)-----------------------------Where am I?
Asa man ang CR?(Nasan po ang CR?)-------------------Where is the comfort room?

Impress the locals by using these phrases but notice that they'll respond in English while a Peace Corp Volunteer will speak in fluent Cebuano…Ain't it ironic?!

Thank you so much for promoting the Sugbuhanon language. In fact there are more Cebuano speakers than those who speak Tagalog. All of Visayas and Mindanao, even people in Tawi-Tawi, can understand the language. Meanwhile, the Tagalog-speaking areas are limited only to Metro Manila, Calabarzon area. All the rest in Luzon speak different languages-- Ilocano,Kapampangan, Bicolano, Maranao, Mandarin,and mixtures of the languages on the island of Luzon. You have made the right move. More lessons, please. I salute you for your initiative.

That's great !

You have a lot of great ideas too.

Thanks Ms. Asianturista

In general, we are promoting our country and our culture including our language/s and I'd been consistently telling this to every forum ,group or network I join and that's why I put up The Sentinels.

Cebu City was home to me for a good 3 years, kamao man ko magbinisaya pero gamay ra kaayo ( I know how to speak Cebuano , very little though).

[The Dane]

The Taglish Phrasebook is ready - the written part.

Right now we are trying to get the delivery system and the design of the book finalized.