Helpful Cebuano Phrases and Words for Tourists
The Province of Cebu is located in the middle of Visayas. The island is a little more than 200 km. long and it is surrounded by the province of Negros, Bohol and Leyte.
Cebu is famous for its white sand beaches, mouth watering delicacies, rich history and many other things that make the province unique and unforgettable. That is the reason that all year round many tourists both local and foreign come to visit and have the so called “Cebu experience” which is not only a cultural trip but also enjoying the beaches, island hoping, gastronomic feasts, appreciating the history and learning some Cebuano phrases and words too.
Cebu is known today to be the “Queen City of the South“ because being a top tourist destination, it is also considered as the fastest growing metropolis that is outside Metro Manila. It is known also as a commercial hub where the second largest international airport in the Philippines is located. Cebu is also a cosmopolitan area for business and industry.
There are many reasons to visit Cebu whether for pleasure or business, an adequate knowledge of the Cebuano phrases and words will come very handy.
The Cebuano dialect is considered as the second most widely spoken dialect in the Philippines after the national language “Filipino”. Although most Cebuanos (locals of Cebu) can speak English but still learning some Cebuano phrases and words will be a great help.
The following are some Cebuano phrases and words for tourists:
Greetings:
Good morning maayong buntag
Good day maayong udto
Good afternoon maayong hapon
I’m coming from Mactan gikan ko sa Mactan
I’m going to Talisay muadto ko sa Talisay
Thank you very much daghang salamat
You’re welcome walay sapayan
Yes/no oo/ dili
It’s all right maayo ang tanan
Common Questions:
Do you have? Adunay…?
How? Unsaon?
How much? Tagpila?
How far is it? Unsa kalayo?
What? Unsa?
What did you say? Unsa to?
Where? Asa?
Who?(singular) kinsa?
Who? ( plural) kinsa-kinsa?
Why? Nganong?
Hotel accommodation:
Bath banyo
Bed katre
Cover habol
Key yawi
Room kuwarto
Pillow unlan
Do you have air-con? nabay air-con?
There is no water wala tubig
How much is the room? Pila ang usa ka kuwarto?
I’ll take the room Sige kuhaon ko ang kining kuwarto.
Food related phrases:
I am hungry gigutom na ako
I am thirsty guihaw ko.
I am full busog na ako
I have no appetite wala koy gana
That was a good meal kalami sa pagkaon
The bill please ang bayronon palihog
Getting Around:
Which bus for Cebu? Unsang bus ang maodtong Cebu?
Where is the bus stop? Asa man ang hulatan ug bus?
Where do I catch a jeepney? Asa ko musakay ug jeepney?
Where does this bus go? Asa man moadto kining bus?
Where do I get off? Asa ko manaog?
How much is the fare? Tagpila ang plete?
Shopping:
All tanan
Big dako
Broken guba
Cheap barato
Expensive mahal
Money kuwarta
What is this? Unsa ni?
How much is this? Tagpila na?
How much is one kilo? tagpila ang usa ka kilo?
I’d like to pay mobayad na ako.
Cebuano phrases and words are easy to understand and learn, all you have to do is to love and appreciate speaking in a foreign tongue. Learning at least some Cebuano phrases and words are essential for you to get by and gain the trust of the Cebuanos.
Whether it is your first time to visit Cebu, the Cebuano phrases and words you know will be at a great advantage in getting accommodation, getting around the town, dining in the local restaurants and above all shopping or just by simply meeting new people.
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