Bisaya Phrase of the Day
Hangtud sa sunod.
Until next time.
Pronunciation: HANG-tud sa SU-nod
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Practical Cebuano for travel
The Complete Bisaya Travel Phrasebook
Useful Cebuano for taxis, jeepneys, directions, food, markets, hotels and the small conversations that make a trip feel less like a checklist and more like being part of the place.
Essential polite phrases
Start here. These phrases make almost every interaction warmer, even if you know very little Cebuano.
Taxis, jeepneys and getting around
Useful for drivers, conductors, terminals and everyday transport around Cebu and other Cebuano-speaking areas.
Asking for directions
Short, reusable questions for finding places without memorising a long script.
Restaurants, cafés and food
The language you are most likely to use at a carinderia, café, restaurant or family meal.
Markets and shopping
Useful at markets, small shops, souvenir stalls and everyday purchases.
Hotels and accommodation
Simple phrases for checking in, asking for help and dealing with common room issues.
Make the phrases work
Five habits that make a small amount of Bisaya go much further
Use “palihog” when a request needs softening, but do not force it into every sentence. Listen to how the person you are speaking with phrases the same request.
“Asa” means “where”. Once you can use it comfortably, directions, transport and everyday small talk become much easier.
“Tagpila ni?” is worth learning as a complete chunk. You will use it far more often than a long list of shopping vocabulary.
You do not need perfect grammar to be understood. A short, clear phrase said warmly is usually more useful than a complicated sentence you are afraid to try.
Pay attention to the answer. Travel language is not only about getting your own sentence out; it is about recognising what comes back.
A tiny conversation
Tagpila ni?
How much is this?
Singkwenta pesos.
Fifty pesos.
Sige, usa ani. Salamat.
Okay, one of these. Thank you.
Learn small exchanges like this as complete units. They are easier to remember and far more useful than isolated vocabulary.
Pronounce it clearly
Use the complete pronunciation guide to hear how Cebuano sounds fit together.
Pronunciation guideSound more natural
Learn the small particles that carry tone, emphasis and attitude in everyday Bisaya.
Particles guidePractise a real situation
Move beyond a phrase list and use Cebuano inside complete interactive conversations.
Try a storyTravelling soon? Turn the phrasebook into something you can actually say.
Speak Bisaya connects useful travel language to pronunciation, listening, review and real conversation practice.
Friendly small talk
A few social phrases can turn a transaction into a real conversation.
Kumusta?
How are you?
Meaning & audioMaayo ra ko.
I’m fine.
Meaning & audioTaga-asa ka?
Where are you from?
Meaning & audioTaga-___ ko.
I’m from ___.
Meaning & audioNagtuon ko og Bisaya.
I’m learning Bisaya.
Meaning & audioGamay ra akong Bisaya.
I only know a little Bisaya.
Meaning & audioNindot diri.
It’s beautiful/nice here.
Meaning & audioGanahan ko sa Cebu.
I like Cebu.
Meaning & audioUnsa imong ngalan?
What is your name?
Meaning & audioNalipay ko nga nakaila nimo.
Nice to meet you.
Meaning & audio