“gamay lang” as what I have always said whenever Cebuanos ask me if I could speak Bisaya.

I have been sent to Cebu for 3 months for a project. And for 3 months, I still cannot understand or speak Bisaya very well. Primarily, because most of the people in Cebu can understand and speak Tagalog.  Yes Manileños,  they do know how to speak Tagalog!

I frequently talk to the locals whenever I take the public transportation or when I’m buying stuff.  As for foreigners, it is obvious that Cebuanos would not talk to you in Bisaya, but rather English (and of course they are very fluent in English). But for us Filipinos, expect that they will converse to you in Bisaya.

And so here’s a list of words that I usually use in Cebu that might help you out when you pay a visit to the Queen City of the South:

1. Palihug 

Means “paki” in Tagalog or “please” in English.  Cebuanos use this to pass the fare towards the jeepney driver, equivalent to “bayad po” in Manila. But the formal way is “palihug pliti”,”pliti” means “fare”. They also use “palihug” when they are asking for a favor.

2. Lugar lang!

You say this when you reach your destination for the jeepney or bus to stop. Same as telling the driver “para!” in Manila.

3. Tagpila? 

It means “how much?”. You might also hear and be confused with the word “pila?”, it means “how many?”.

4. Usa,  duha,  tulo 

“One, two,  three”.  These are the numbers I usually use when telling the jeepney driver or bus conductor for how many people I was paying for the ride or when I am in a local restaurant ordering rice or puso (hanging rice).  They usually ask “pila ka puso?” translated as “how many hanging rice?”, I usually order two so I say “duha”.

5. Ayo! 

It’s short for “maayo”. Its like a slang for “maayong buntag” or “maayong gabi”, so basically it can be use anytime of the day. Cebuanos usually use this when calling on someone as they knock on other people’s houses.

6. Salamat kaayo! 

Simply means “thank you very much”.

7. Tagalog 

This word is always my last resort (or sometimes first).  I always say this when they started speaking to me in straight Visayan.  If you say “Tagalog po” its like telling them “I am from Manila,  I do not speak or understand Bisaya” they will instantly speak Tagalog.

But why try speaking Bisaya if they understand and know how to speak Tagalog?

I think it is nice and fun to learn another language, and especially knowing some basic words in different dialects in our country. And since you are in their place, it is better to speak in their native tongue for them to understand you better, just like what Cebuanos do in Manila, they communicate with us in Tagalog.  It is also a little way of respecting their language and culture.

Gihigugma tika, Cebu!

Share some Bisaya words or phrases in the comment box below!