Cebuano phrasebook Voyage Tips and guide

Cebuano, also called Sugboanon or Bisayan, is a major language in the southern Philippines. It is spoken natively throughout Cebu Province, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Camiguin, in much of Leyte and Mindanao, and in parts of Samar.

With over twenty million native speakers, Cebuano is the second most common Filipino language, after Tagalog (Filipino). It is the most important of a large group of Visayan languages.

Pronunciation guide

Cebuano is an extremely phonetic language, thus making it much more simple for non-Cebuanos to learn and speak.

If one is familiar with Spanish, this makes Cebuano all the easier. Every Filipino language has similarities to Spanish (the Philippines having been conquered by the Spaniards and subsequently under Spanish rule for 300 years), and the pronunciation is nearly identical. Double "l"s in Cebuano are pronounced with a "y" sound, the "j" is typically spoken as "h", and the "r"s are rolled in the same way Spanish-speakers roll their "r"s.

The most common pronunciation mistake made by non-Cebuano speakers trying to learn the language is its double vowels. These use what linguists call "glottal stops", which makes one sound pause before saying the other sound. Take, for instance, the phrase for good evening: "Maayong gabii". Most non-Filipinos would read that out loud as "mai-yong gabby". Not so. Every vowel in Filipino languages is pronounced, even when it follows another vowel. Thus, good evening would be "ma-ayong gabi-i". So take notice that each double vowel, e.g. aa, ii, oo, ua, au, has a glottal stop between the two vowels.

"Ula and ola" the 'l' has a 'w' sound as in "water". For 'ala' the 'l' disappears e.g. halang (hang).

Stress

Stress in Cebuano is next to the last syllable if more than one syllable. Beyond that, with two syllables the first gets stressed.

Vowels

Unaccented Cebuano Vowels

a: as the 'a' in "about"
e: as the 'e' in "bed"
i: as the 'ee' in "week"
o: as the 'o' in "open"
u: as the 'oo' in "book"

Accented Cebuano Vowels

à: long sound like 'a' in "far" [ahh]
â: short sound like 'a' in "attend" [ah]
è: long sound like 'e' in "bled" [ehh]
ê: short sound like 'e' in "let" [eh]
ì: long sound like 'ee' in "bleed" [ee]
î: short sound like 'i' in "it" [ih]
ò: long sound like 'o' in "obey" [ohh]
ô: short sound like 'o' in "okay" [oh]
ù: long sound like 'oo' in "pool" [ooo]
û: short sound like 'oo' in "cook" [oo]

Double Cebuano Vowels

aa: as two separate sounds with a stop "maayong" [mah-ah-yong]
i-i: two separate sounds "gabi-i" [GAH-bee-ee]

Consonants

b: like 'b' in "bed"
c: like 's' in "supper", 'k' in "kid" [foreign sounds]
d: like 'd' in "dog"
g: like 'g' in "go" [always hard sound]
h: like 'h' in "help"
k: like 'k' in "kitten"
l: like 'l' in "love"
m: like 'm' in "mother"
n: like 'n' in "nice"
ng: like 'ng' in "bang" [nasal sound]
p: like 'p' in "pig"
r: like 'r' in "rico" [rolled 'r']
s: like 's' in "sun"
t: like 't' in "top"
w: like 'w' in "weight"
y: like 'y' in "yes" also as 'y' in "possibly"

Common diphthongs

oy: like 'oy' in "boy"
iyo: like 'io' in "Ohio"
iye: like 'ie' in "miedo"
ay: like the word "eye"
we: like 'we' in "wet"
ais: like 'ace' in "face"
ly: like 'li' in "million"
aw: like 'ow' in "cow"
ts: like 'ch' in "chip"
dyi: like 'j' in "jump"
uy: like 'oy' in "toy"

Phrase list

Basics

How are you?: Kumusta ka? (koo-MOOSS-tah kah?)
Fine, thank you.: Maayo, salamat. (mah-AH-yaw, sah-LAH-maht)
What is your name?: Unsay imong pangalan? (oon-SIGH EE-mawng pah-NGAH-lahn?)
I am ______. (i.e. My name is _____.): Ako si ______. (ah-KAW see ____)
Nice to meet you.: Maayo nga nagka-ila ta. (mah-AH-yaw ngah nahg-kah-ee-LAH tah)
Please.: Palihog. (pah-LEE-hawg)
Thank you.: Salamat. (sah-LAH-maht)
Thank you very much.: Daghang Salamat. (dahg-HAHNG sah-LAH-maht)
You're welcome.: Walay sapayan. (wah-LIGH sah-PAH-yahn)
No problem.: Walay problema. (wah-LIGH prawb-LEH-mah)
Yes.: Oo. (AW-aw)
No.: Dili. (DEE-lee)
Excuse me. (getting attention): Kadiyot lang. (kah-JAWT lahng)
Excuse me. (begging pardon): Pasaylo-a ko. (pah-SIGH-law-ah kaw)
I'm sorry.: Pasaylo-a ko. (pah-sigh-LAW-ah kaw)
Goodbye!: Amping! (ahm-PEENG!)
I don’t know Cebuano.: Dili ko kahibalo mag-Binisaya. (DEE-lee kaw kah-hee-bah-LAW mahg-bee-nee-sah-YAH)
Is there someone here who knows English?: Naa ba’y kahibalo mag-iningles diri? (nah-AH bigh ka-hee-bah-LAW mahg-een-NEENG-glehss dee-REE?)
Help!: Tabang! (TAH-bahng!)
Look out!: Pagbantay! (pahg-bahn-TIGH!)
Good morning.: Maayong buntag. (mah-AH-yawng boon-TAHG)
Good afternoon.: Maayong hapon. (mah-AH-yawng HAH-pawn)
Good evening.: Maayong gabi-i. (mah-AH-yawng gah-BEE-ee)
Good night.: Maayong gabi-i. (mah-AH-yawng gah-BEE-ee)
I don't understand.: Dili ko makasabot. (DEE-lee kaw mah-kah-SAH-bawt)
Where is the restroom?: Asa dapit ang C.R.? (AH-sah DAH-peet ahng SEE-ahr?) (note: in the Philippines, the restroom is called the “comfort room”, abbreviated to “C.R.” in everyday speech.)

Problems

Leave me alone!: Pasagda-i ko! (pah-SAHG-dah-ee kaw!)
Don't touch me!: Ayaw ko hilabti! (AH-yow kaw hee-LAHB-tee!)
Help!: Tabang! (TAH-bahng!)
I need your help!: Kinahanglan ko ug tabang ninyo! (kee-nah-HAHNG-lahn kaw oog TAH-bahng NEEN-yaw!)
Police!: Pulis! (poo-LEESS!)
Call the police!: Tawag ug pulis! (TAH-wahg oog poo-LEESS!)
I'm lost.: Nasalaag ko. (nah-sah-LAH-ahg kaw!)
I'm tired: Gikapoy ko. (gee-KAH-poy kaw)
I'm not feeling well.: Lain ang akong panglawas. (lighn ahng AH-kawng pahng-LAH-wahss)
I can't sleep.: Dili ko makatulog. (DEE-lee kaw mah-kah-TOO-lawg)
I can't eat.: Dili ko makakaon. (DEE-lee koh mahk-KAH-kah-ohn)
I have a headache.: Sakit ang akong ulo./Labad ang akong ulo. (SAH-keet ahng AH-kohng OO-loh/LAH-bahd ahng AH-kohng OO-loh)
I'm hungry.: Gigutom ko. (gee-GOO-tohm koh)
I'm thirsty.: Giuhaw ko. (gee-OO-haw koh)
I ran out of money: Nahurot ang akong kwarta. (nah-HOO-roht ahng AH-kohng KWAHR-tah)
I lost my bag.: Nawala ang akong bag. (nah-WAH-lah ahng AH-kohng bahg)
I lost my wallet.: Nawala ang akong pitaka. (nah-WAH-lah ahng AH-kohng pee-TAH-kah)
I lost my cellphone.: Nawala ang akong cellphone. (nah-WAH-lah ahng AH-kohng sehl-fown)
I need a doctor.: Kinahanglan ko ug doktor. (kee-nah-hahng-LAHN kaw oog dawck-TAWR)
Can I use your phone?: Puydi ko kagamit saimong silpon? (POOY-dee kaw kah-GAH-miht sah-EE-mawng SELL-pawn?)

Numbers

For numbers above 10, Spanish is more commonly used, though it spell phonetically. When using numbers with currency, Spanish notation commonly is used (e.g. ₱5.00, in English, it says five pesos, but in Cebuano, it says singko pesos (SEENG-kaw PEH-sawss)).

1: usa (oo-SAH)
2: duha (doo-HAH)
3: tulo (too-LAW)
4: upat (oo-PAHT)
5: lima (lee-MAH)
6: unom (oo-NAWM)
7: pito (pee-TAW)
8: walo (wah-LAW)
9: siyam (shahm)
10: napulo (nah-POO-law)
11: napulo ug usa (nah-POO-lawg-oo-SAH)
12: napulo ug duha (nah-POO-lawg-doo-HAH)
13: napulo ug tulo (nah-POO-lawg-too-LAW)
14: napulo ug upat (nah-POO-lawg-oo-PAHT)
15: napulo ug lima (nah-POO-lawg-lee-MAH)
16: napulo ug unom (nah-POO-lawg-oo-NAWM)
17: napulo ug pito (nah-POO-lawg-pee-TAW)
18: napulo ug walo (nah-POO-lawg-WAH-LAW)
19: napulo ug siyam (nah-POO-lawg-shahm)
20: kawhaan (kow-hah-AHN)
21: kawhaan ug usa (kow-HAH-ahn oog oo-SAH)
22: kawhaan ug duha (kow-hah-AHN oog doo-HAH)
23: kawhaan ug tulo (kow-hah-AHN oog too-LAW)
30: katloan (kaht-law-AHN)
40: kap-atan (kahp-ah-TAHN)
50: kalim-an (kah-lihm-AHN)
60: kanum-an (kah-NOOM-ahn)
70: kapitoan (kah-pee-taw-AHN)
80: kawaloan (kah-wah-LWAHN)
90: kasiyaman (kah-see-yah-MAHN)
100: usa ka gatos (oo-SAH kah gah-TAWSS)
200: duha ka gatos (doo-HAH kah gah-TAWSS)
300: tulo ka gatos (too-LAW kah gah-TAWSS)
1000: usa ka libo (oo-SAH kah LEE-baw)
10,000: napulo ka libo (nah-POO-law kah LEE-baw)
100,000: usa ka gatos ka libo (OO-sah kah GAH-tohs kah LEE-boh)
1,000,000: usa ka milyon (OO-sah kah MEE-lyohn)
1,000,000,000: usa ka bilyon (OO-sah kah beell-YAWN)
1,000,000,000,000: usa ka trilyon (OO-sah kah TREE-lyohn)
number _____ (train, bus, etc.): numero ug tren, bus (NOO-meh-raw oog trehn, booss)
half: katunga (kah-too-NGAH)
less: gamay (gah-MIGH)
more: daghan (dahg-HAHN)

Time

Clock time

one o'clock AM: ala una sa ka-adlawon (ah-LAH OO-nah sah kah-ahd-LAH-wawn)
two o'clock AM: alas dos sa ka-adlawon (ah-LAHSS dawss sah kah-ahd-LAH-wawn)
midday: udto (ood-TAW)
one o'clock PM: ala una sa hapon (ah-LAH OO-nah sah HAH-pawn)
two o'clock PM: alas dos sa hapon (ah-LAHSS dawss sah HAH-pawn)
midnight: tungang gabi-i (too-NGAHNG gah-BEE-ee)

Duration

_____ second(s): _____ ka segundo(s) (kah seh-GOON-daw)
_____ minute(s): _____ ka minuto(s) (kah mee-NOO-taw)
_____ hour(s): _____ ka oras (kah AW-rahss)
_____ day(s): _____ ka adlaw (kah AHD-low)
_____ week(s): _____ ka semana (kah seh-MAH-nah)
_____ month(s): _____ ka bulan (kah BOO-lahn)
_____ year(s): _____ ka tu-ig (kah too-EEG)

Days

day: adlaw (ahd-LOW)
today: karon (kah-RAWN)
yesterday: gahapon (gah-HAH-pawn)
tomorrow: ugma (oog-MAH' )
tonight: karong gabi-i (kah-RAWNG gah-BEE-ee)
week: semana (seh-MAH-nah)
this week: karong semana (kah-RAWNG seh-MAH-nah)
last week: niaging semana (nee-AH-geeng seh-MAH-nah)
next week: sunod semana (soo-NAWD seh-MAH-nah)

The days of the week are borrowed from Spanish.

Sunday: Dominggo (doh-MEENG-gaw)
Monday: Lunes (LOO-nehss)
Tuesday: Martes (MAHR-tehss)
Wednesday: Miyerkoles (myehr-KOO-lehss)
Thursday: Huwebes (hoo-WEH-behss)
Friday: Biyernes (BYEHR-nehss)
Saturday: Sabado (SAH-bah-daw)

Months

The name of the months are borrowed from the Spanish language.

January: Enero (eh-NEH-raw)
February: Pebrero (peh-BREH-raw)
March: Marso (MAHR-saw)
April: Abril (ahb-REELL)
May: Mayo (MAH-yaw)
June: Hunyo (HOO-nyaw)
July: Hulyo (HOO-lyaw)
August: Agosto (ah-GAWSS-taw)
September: Septyembre (sehp-TYEHM-breh)
October: Oktubre (awck-TOO-breh)
November: Nobyembre (noo-BYEHM-breh)
December: Disyembre (dee-SYEHM-breh)

Writing time and date

Dates can be written as follows:

English format: June 18, 2006 would be Hunyo 18, 2006
Spanish format: June 18, 2006 would be ika-18 sa Hunyo, 2006

Times are written as in English (as in 6:23AM) but are spoken as in Spanish (as in alas says beynte tres sa buntag).

Colors

black: itúm (ee-TOOM)
blue: asul (AH-sool)
brown: kape (kah-PEH)
gold: bulawan (boo-LAH-wahn)
green: berde (BEHR-deh)
gray: abuhun (ah-BOO-hoon)
orange: orens (AW-rehnss)
pink: rosa (RAW-sah)
red: pula (poo-LAH)
violet: bayole (BAH-yoo-leht)
white: putí (poo-TEE)
yellow: dalág (dah-LAHG)

Transportation

Due to the nature of the country, which is broken into many islands, railways are not needed by the bulk of the population, who instead turn to planes and ferries to complete longer journeys.

Bus

How much is a ticket to _____?: Tagpila ang tiket paingon sa _____ ? (tahg-PEE-lah ahng TEE-keht pah-EE-ngawn sah ___?)
One ticket to _____, please.: Usa ka tiket paingon sa _____, palihog. (OO-sah kah TEE-keht pah-EE-ngawn sah ____, pah-LEE-hawg)
Where does this bus go?: Asa paingon kining bus? (AH-sah pah-EE-ngawn KEE-neeng boos?)
Where is the bus to _____?: Asa ang bus padulong _____ ? (AH-sah ahng boos pah-EE-ngawn sah ____?)
Does this bus stop in _____?: Mohunong ba kining bus sa _____? (maw-HOO-nawng bah kee-NEENG boos sah ____?)
When does the bus for _____ leave?: Kanus-a ba mohawa kining bus paingon sa _____? (KAH-noos-ah bah moh-HAH-wah kee-NEENG booss pah-EE-ngawn sah _____?)
When will this bus arrive in _____?: Kanus-a moabot kining bus sa _____? (kah-NOOS-ah moh-AH-boht kee-NEENG boos sah ____?)

Directions

Where is the _____?: Asa dapit ang _____? (AH-sah DAH-peet ahng___?)
street: dalan (DAH-lahn)
road: karsada (kahr-SAH-dah)
avenue: abenyu (AH-beh-nyoo)
path: subayanan (soo-bah-YAH-nahn)
alley: eskinita (ehs-kee-NEE-tah)
highway: haywi (HAI-wee)
corner: eskina (ehs-KEE-nah)
Turn left.: Liko sa wala. (LEE-kaw sah wah-LAH)
Turn right.: Liko sa tu-o. (LEE-koh sah TOO-oh)
left: wala (wah-LAH)
right: tu-o (TOO-aw)
straight ahead: adto deretso (ahd-TAW deh-REHT-saw)
towards the _____: padulong sa _____ (pah-DOO-lawng sah____)
past the _____: lapas sa _____ (LAH-pahs sah____)
before the _____: sa dili pa ang _____ (sah DEE-lee pah ahng ____)
Watch out for the _____.: Pagbantay sa _____. (pahg-BAHN-tigh sah____)
intersection: interseksiyon (een-tehr-SEHCK-syawn)
north: amihanan (ah-mee-HAH-nahn)
south: habagatan (hah-bah-GAH-tahn)
east: sidlakan (seed-LAH-kahn)
west: kasadpan (kah-SAHD-pahn)
uphill: pasaka (sa buntod) (pah-SAH-kah (sah BOON-tohd))
downhill: paubos (sa buntod) (pah-OO-bohs (sah BOON-tohd))

Taxi

Taxi!: Taksi! (TAHK-see)
Take me to _____, please.: Dad-a ko sa_____, palihug. (dahd-ah koh sah_____, pah-LEE-hoog)
I'm going to ____: Mo-adto ko sa _____ (moh-AHD-toh koh sah___?)
How much does it cost to get to _____?: Pila ang pliti padulong _____? (PEE-lah ahng PLEE-tee pah-doo-LOHNG____?)
How much is the fare?: Pila ang pliti? (pee-LAH ahng plee-TEE?)
Take me there, please.: Dad-a ko diha, palihug. (DAHD-ah koh DEE-hah, pah-LEE-hoog)

Jeepney

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. When you hand your fare over to a driver or a conductor (the person who usually keeps on hanging on the jeepney rails), always say your origin, your destination, and how many are you with.

Stop! (to get off the jeepney): Lugar! (loo-GAHR!)
How much is the fare to _____?: Tagpila ang pliti padulong _____? (tahg-pee-LAH ahng plee-TEE pah-doo-LOHNG_____?)
Sir (Driver), where's my change?: Manong, Asa ang akong sukli? (mah-NOHNG, ah-SAH ahng ah-KOHNG soo-KLEE?)
Sir (Driver), you have excess change.: Manong, sobra ang imong sukli. (mah-NOHNG, soh-BRAH ahng ee-MOHNG soo-KLEE?)
Can you drop me off at ____?: Mahimo ba malugar sa ____? (mah-hee-MOH bah mah-loo-GAHR sah____?)
Where are you from?: Asa ka gikan? (ah-SAH kah gee-KAHN?)
Where will you drop off?: Asa ka manaog? (ah-SAH kah mah-nah-OHG?)

Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?: Naa moy kwarto na bakante? (nah-AH moi kwahr-TOH nah bah-kahn-TEH?)
How much is a room for one person/two people?: Tagpila ang kwarto alang sa usa ka tawo/duha ka tawo? (tahg-pee-LAH ahng kwahr-TAW ah-LAHNG sah oo-SAH kah TAH-waw/ doo-HAH kah TAH-waw?)
Does the room come with...: Kining kwarto apil na ba ang ______ ? (kee-NEENG kwahr-TAW AH-peel nah bah ahng ___?)
...bedsheets?: ...habol? (hah-BOHLL?)
...pillows?: ...unlan? (oon-LAHN?)
...a bathroom?: ...banyo? (bah-NYAW?)
...a telephone?: ...telepono? (teh-LEH-poo-naw?)
...a TV?: ... TV? (TEE-bee)
Can I see the room first?: Mahimo ba motan-aw sa inyong kwarto una? (mah-HEE-moh bah moh-TAHN-aw sah EEN-yohng KWAHR-toh OO-nah?)
Do you have anything quieter?: Naa pay mas hilom pa? (NAH-ah pai mahs HEE-lohm pah?)
...bigger?: ...mas dako? (mahss dah-KAW?)
...cleaner?: ...mas limpyo? (mahss LEEM-pyaw?)
...cheaper?: ...mas barato? (mahss bah-RAH-taw?)
OK, I'll take it.: Sige, kuhaon nako. (SEE-geh, koo-HAH ohn NAH-koh)
I will stay for _____ night(s).: Mopuyo ko diri sa _____ ka gab-i. (maw-POO-yaw kaw DEE-ree sah ____ kah GAH-bee)
Can you suggest another hotel?: Naa bay masugyut nimu nga laing hotel? (nah-AH bigh mah-SOOG-yoot NEE-maw ngah LAH-eeng HOH-tehll?)
Do you have a safe?: Naa ba moy tipiganan sa salapi? (nah-AH bah moi tee-pee-GAH-nahn sah sah-lah-PEE?)
...lockers?: ...armaryo/mga locker? (ahr-MAHR-yaw/ma-NGAH LAWK-kehr?)
Is breakfast/supper included?: Apil na ba ang pamahaw/panihapon? (AH-peel nah bah ahng pah-MAH-how/pah-nee-HAH-pawn?)
What time is breakfast/lunch/supper?: Unsa ang oras sa pamahaw/paniudto/panihapon? (oon-SAH ahng aw-RAHSS sah pah-mah-HOW/pah-nee-ood-TAW/pah-nee-hah-PAWN?)
Please clean my room.: Palihog, limpyoha ang akong kwarto. (pah-LEE-hawg LEEM-pyaw-hah ahng AH-kawng kwahr-TAW)
Can you wake me up at_____? ( e.g. ten o'clock AM): Mahimo ba pukawon ko sa _____? (mah-HEE-maw bah poo-KAH-wawn kaw sah ____?)
I want to check out.: Gusto na ko mo-check-out. (gooss-TAW nah kaw maw-CHEHCK-owt)

Money

Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?: Modawat ka og American/Australian/Canadian dollars? (maw-DAH-waht kah awg ah-MEH-ree-kahn/owss-TRAYLL-yahn/kah-NAYD-yahn DAW-lahrss?)
Do you accept British pounds?: Modawat ka og British pounds? (maw-DAH-waht kah awg BREE-teesh powndss?)
Do you accept euros?: Modawat ka og euros? (maw-DAW-waht kah awg YOO-rohss?)
Do you accept credit cards?: Modawat ka og credit cards? (maw-DAH-waht kah awg KREH-diht kahrdss?)
Can you change money for me?: Puydi ko magpabaylo? (pooi-DEE kaw mahg-pah-BIGH-law?)
Where can I get money changed?: Asa ko puydi magpabaylo? (AH-sah kaw pooi-DEE mahg-pah-BIGH-law?)
Can you change a traveler's check for me?: Puydi ko og magpabaylo og traveler's check? (POOI-dee kaw awg mahg-pah-BIGH-law TRAH-beh-lehrss chehck?)
Where can I get a traveler's check changed?: Asa ko puydi magpabaylo og traveler's check? (AH-sah kaw pooi-DEE mahg-pah-BIGH-law awg TRAH-beh-lehrss chehck?)
What is the exchange rate?: Pila ang exhange rate? (pee-LAH ahng ehkss-CHAYNJ rayt?)
Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?: Katood ka asa dapit ang ATM? (kah-too-AWD kah AH-sah dah-PEET ahng ey-TEE-ehm?)

Eating

A table for one person/two people, please.: Lamisa alang sa usa/duha ka tao, palihog. (lah-MEE-sah AH-lahng sah oo-SAH/doo-HAH kah TAH-aw, pah-LEE-hawg)
Can I look at the menu, please?: Mahimo ba motan-aw sa menu, palihog? (mah-HEE-maw bah maw-TAHN-ow sah meh-NOO, pah-LEE-hawg?)
Can I look in the kitchen?: Mahimo ba makakita ang kusina? (mah-HEE-maw bah mah-kah-KEE-tah ahng koo-SEE-nah)
Where's the bathroom?: Asa dapit ang banyo/hugasanan? (AH-sah dah-PEET ahng BAHN-yaw?)
I'm a vegetarian.: Vegetarian ko. (beh-jeh-TAHR-yahn kaw)
I don't eat pork.: Dili ko mokaon ug karneng baboy. (DEE-lee kaw maw-KAH-awn oog KAHR-nehng BAH-boi)
I don't eat beef.: Dili ko mokaon ug karneng baka. (DEE-lee kaw maw-KAH-awn oog KAHR-nehng BAH-kah)
It's salty.: Parat ni. (PAH-raht nee)
It's so sweet.: Tam-is ni. (tahm-EESS nee)
It's so spicy.: Halang-ni. (hah-LAHNG nee)
breakfast: pamahaw (pah-MAH-how)
lunch: paniudto (pah-NEE-ood-taw)
snack (meal): meryenda (mehr-YEHN-dah)
supper: panihapon (pah-nee-HAH-pawn)
I want _____.: Gusto ko ug _____. (GOOSS-taw kaw oog ____)
I want a dish called _____.: Gusto ko ug sud-an nga _____. (gooss-TAW kaw oog sood-AHN ngah _____)
chicken: karneng manok (kahr-NEHNG mah-NAWCK)
beef: karneng baka (kahr-NEHNG BAH-kah)
fish: isda (EES-dah)
ham: hamon (hah-MAWN)
food: pagkaon (pahg-KAH-awn)
drinks: panginom (pahn-GEE-nohm)
sausage: longganisa (local sausage) (lawng-gah-NEE-sah)
cheese: keso (KEH-saw)
eggs: itlog (eet-LAWG)
salad: ensalada (ehn-sah-LAH-dah)
corn: mais (mah-EESS)
(fresh) vegetables: (preskong) utan ((PREHSS-kawng) OO-tahn)
(fresh) fruit: (preskong) prutas (proo-TASS)
bread: tinapay (tee-NAH-pigh)
noodles: pansit (pahn-SEET)
rice: kan-on (KAHN-awn)
beans: munggos (MOONG-gawss)
raw: hilaw (hee-LOW)
cooked: luto (LOO-toh)
fried: prito (PREE-taw)
fried chicken/fish/egg: pritong manok/isda/itlog (PREE-tawng mah-NAWCK/EESS-dah/eet-lawg)
grilled/roasted: inihaw (ee-NEE-how)
boiled: nilaga (nee-LAH-gah)
salt: asin (ah-SEEN)
sugar: asukar (ah-SOO-kahr)
cooking oil: mantika (mahn-TEE-kah)
garlic: ahos (ah-HAWSS)
onion: sibuyas (see-BOO-yahss)
black pepper: paminta (pah-MEEN-tah)
soy sauce: toyo(TAW-yaw)
butter: margarina (mahr-gah-REE-nah)
Can/May I have a glass of _____?: Naa moy usa ka baso na _____? (nah-AH moi oo-SAH kah BAH-saw nah _____?)
Can/May I have a cup of _____?: Naa moy usa ka tasa na _____? (nah-AH moi oo-SAH kah TAH-sah nah _____?)
Can/May I have a bottle of _____?: Naa moy usa ka botelya na _____? (nah-AH moi oo-SAH kah baw-TEHLL-yah nah ____?)
coffee: kape (kah-PEH)
tea (drink): tsaa (chah AH)
chocolate: tsokolate (chaw-kaw-LAH-teh)
ice: yelo (YEH-law)
juice: duga (DOO-gah)
water: tubig (TOO-bihg)
beer: serbesa (sehr-BEH-sah)
dessert: siragana (see-rah-GAH-nah)
Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Ekskiyus ko, witer? (EHKSS-kyooss kaw, WEE-tehr?)
I'm finished/done.: Humana na ko ug kaon. (hoo-MAH-nah kaw oog KAH-awn)
It was delicious.: Lami ang pagkaon (lah-MEE' ahng pahg-KAH awn)
Please clear the plates.: Palihug kuhai ang mga plato. (pah-LEE-hoog koo-HAH-ee ahng mgah PLAH-toh)
Can I get the bill, please.: Mokuha ko ug bill, palihug. (moh-KOO-hah koh oog beel, pah-LEE-hoog)

Shopping

Do you have this in my size?: Naa moy maigo sa ako ani? (NAH-ah mawy mah-EE-gaw sah AH-kaw AH-nee?)
How much is this?: Tagpila ni? (tahg-PEE-lah nee?)
That's too expensive.: Mahal ra kaayo na. (mah-HAHLL rah kah-AH-yaw nah)
Would you take _____?: Modawat mo og ____? (maw-DAH-waht maw awg ____?)
expensive: mahal (mah-HALL)
cheap: barato (bah-RAH-taw)
I can't afford it.: Di maigo sapi ana. (dee' mah-ee-GAW sah-pee AH-nah)
I don't want it.: Di ko ana. (dee' kaw AH-nah' )
You're cheating me.: Gilimbongan ko nimo. (gee-leem-BAW-ngahn kaw NEE-maw)
I'm not interested.: Di ko interisado. (dee' kaw ihn-teh-ree-SAH-daw)
OK, I'll take it.: Ok, kuhaon na nako. (OH-kay, koo-HAH-awn nah' NAH-kaw' )
Can I have a bag?: Puydi mangayo og bag? (POOI-dee mah-NGAH-yaw' awg bahg?)
Do you ship (overseas)?: Mobaligya bag mopadala mos layo? (maw-bah-lihg-YAH bahg maw-pah-dah-LAH mawss LAH-yaw)
I need...: Kinahanglan nako og... (kih-nah-HAHNG-lahn NAH-kaw' awg...)
...toothpaste.: ...toothpaste (tooth-PAYST)
...a toothbrush.: ...sipilyo (see-PEELL-yaw)
...tampons.: ...tampons (tahm-PAWNSS)
...soap.: ...sabon (sah-BAWN)
...shampoo.: ...shampoo (shahm-POO)
...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen): ...pampawa sa kasakit (pahm-pah-WAH' sah kah-sah-KEET)
...cold medicine.: ...tambal para sa sip-on (TAHM-bahll PAH-rah sah SIHP-awn)
...stomach medicine.: ...tambal para sa sakit sa tiyan (tahm-BAHLL PAH-rah sah sah-KIHT sah chahn)
...a razor.: ...pang-ahit (pahng-AH-hiht)
...an umbrella.: ...payong (PAH-yawng)
...sunblock lotion.: ...sunblock lotion (SAHN-blahck LOH-shawn)
...a postcard.: ...postcard (POHST-kahrd)
...postage stamps.: ...postage stamps (POHSS-tihj stahmpss)
...batteries.: ...pila (PEE-lah)
...writing paper.: ...papel (pah-PEHLL)
...a pen.: ...panurat (pah-NOO-raht)
...English-language books.: ...libro nga Ininggles (lihb-RAW ngah ee-neeng-GLEHSS)
...English-language magazines.: ...magasin nga Ininggles (MAH-gah-seen ngah ee-neeng-GLEHSS)
...an English-language newspaper.: ...diaryo nga Ininggles (JAHR-yaw ngah ee-neeng-GLEHSS)
...an English-Cebuano dictionary.: ...diksyonaryo ngah Ininggles-Sinugboanon (dihck-syaw-NAHR-yaw ee-neeng-GLEHSS-sih-noog-boo-AH-nawn)

Driving

Most of the Philippine road signs are in English.

I want to rent a car.: Gusto ko moabang ug awto. (GOOSS-taw kaw maw-ah-BAHNG oog OW-taw)
Can I get insurance?: Makuha ba nako ang peneguro? (mah-KOO-hah bah NAH-kaw ahng peh-neh-GOO-raw?)
no parking: ginadili pagparada (gee-nah-DEE-lee pahg-pah-RAH-dah)
petrol station: gasolinahan (gah-saw-lee-nah-HAHN)
gas/petrol: gasolina (gah-saw-LEE-nah)
diesel: diesel (DEE-sehll)

Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.: Wala man ko gibuhat nga dautan. (wah-LAH mahn kaw gee-BOO-haht ngah dah-OO-tahn)
It was a misunderstanding.: Wala to nagkasinabot. (wah-LAH taw nahg-kah-see-NAH-bawt)
Where are you taking me?: Asa ko nimo dad-on? (AH-sah kaw NEE-maw DAD-ohn?)
Am I under arrest?: Dakpan na ba ko? (DAHCK-pahn nah bah kaw?)
Where's the warrant?: Asa ang warrant? (AH-sah ahng WAH-rahnt?)
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.: Ako ang usa ka Amerikano/Australyano/Britano/Kanadyano. (ah-KAW ahng oo-SAH kah ah-meh-REE-kah-naw/owss-trahll-YAH-naw/bree-TAH-naw/kah-nahd-YAH-naw)
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.: Gusto ko makaistorya sa Amerikano/Australyano/Britano/Kanadyano embahada/konsulado. (gooss-TAW kaw mah-kah-eess-TAW-ryah sah ah-meh-REE-kah-naw/owss-trahll-YAH-naw/bree-TAH-naw/kah-nahd-YAH-naw ehm-bah-HAH-dah/kawn-soo-LAH-daw)
I want to talk to a lawyer.: Gusto ko makaistorya sa abogado. (gooss-TAW kaw mah-kah-eess-TAW-ryah sah ah-boo-GAH-daw)
Can I just pay a fine now?: Mahimo mobayad na lang ko ug multa? (mah-HEE-maw moo-BAH-yahd nah lahng kaw oog MOOLL-tah?)

Learning more

Learn Cebuano at Wikibooks

This Cebuano phrasebook has guide status. It covers all the major topics for traveling without resorting to English. Please contribute and help us make it a star!