The Cebuano language is rather interesting with its quirks and idiosyncrasies. There are many terms and expressions that can be used in many different ways. Here are ten common Cebuano expressions.
Sikreto para bibo
When someone is interested about something you know and you want to fuel that person’s curiosity. This phrase is normally used when you are talking to someone who is very curious about what you know, but you want to keep the secret just to get his or her goat.
Sikreto para bibo
When someone is interested about something you know and you want to fuel that person’s curiosity. This phrase is normally used when you are talking to someone who is very curious about what you know, but you want to keep the secret just to get his or her goat.
Siketro para bibo – image source: pixabay.com
“Sikreto para bibo”
“I’ll keep it secret to make it more fun.”
Choya
“Choya” is derived from the word “choy,” which refers to a man who looks handsome, dresses well, or is generally a good-looking person. The term “choya” is used to describe a guy who does something awesome that other people would look up to him.
“Choya aning bat-ana uy”
“This guy is awesome.”
Laysho
The term “laysho” came from the English word “social.” This term refers to something fancy and is typically used to describe a person, place, or thing.
“Laysho kayo ilang balay.”
“They have a very fancy house.”
Hulmigason
The term “Hulmigason” is typically used to describe a sweet couple. It is derived from the term ”hulmigas,” which means ant. Hulmigason essentially means being overrun by ants, which is associated with a couple being too sweet that they might be overrun by ants.
“I’ll keep it secret to make it more fun.”
Choya
“Choya” is derived from the word “choy,” which refers to a man who looks handsome, dresses well, or is generally a good-looking person. The term “choya” is used to describe a guy who does something awesome that other people would look up to him.
“Choya aning bat-ana uy”
“This guy is awesome.”
Laysho
The term “laysho” came from the English word “social.” This term refers to something fancy and is typically used to describe a person, place, or thing.
“Laysho kayo ilang balay.”
“They have a very fancy house.”
Hulmigason
The term “Hulmigason” is typically used to describe a sweet couple. It is derived from the term ”hulmigas,” which means ant. Hulmigason essentially means being overrun by ants, which is associated with a couple being too sweet that they might be overrun by ants.
Hulmigason – image source: pixabay.com
“Ka-sweet ninyo, hulmigason nya mo diha.”
“You guys are so sweet you might get overrun by ants.”
Puhon
“Puhon” means God-willing or hopefully. This expression is said when you are hoping something will happen in the future.
“Magkita ta ugma, puhon”
“Hopefully, we will see each other tomorrow.”
Simbako
“Simbako” is the antonym for “puhon.” It is translated to “God forbid” or “knock on wood.” It is typically used when you are hoping nothing bad will happen in the future.
“Simbako unsay mahitabo ugma.”
“God forbid something will happen tomorrow.”
Pakals
“Pakals” simply means “chow” or “a feast.” Cebuanos use the term to when they are about to chow down food. It is also used to describe the feast itself.
“You guys are so sweet you might get overrun by ants.”
Puhon
“Puhon” means God-willing or hopefully. This expression is said when you are hoping something will happen in the future.
“Magkita ta ugma, puhon”
“Hopefully, we will see each other tomorrow.”
Simbako
“Simbako” is the antonym for “puhon.” It is translated to “God forbid” or “knock on wood.” It is typically used when you are hoping nothing bad will happen in the future.
“Simbako unsay mahitabo ugma.”
“God forbid something will happen tomorrow.”
Pakals
“Pakals” simply means “chow” or “a feast.” Cebuanos use the term to when they are about to chow down food. It is also used to describe the feast itself.
Pakals – image source: courtesy of Pete Parcon
“Pakals na”
“Time for the feast.”
Patagad
Longtime residents of Cebu would remember the phrase “patagad.” It is used to describe someone who is seeking attention. It is derived from the word “tagad,” which means attention.
“Patagad ka?”
“Do you want some attention?”
Ay Ambot!
The term “ay ambot” can be used for a lot of situations for a Cebuano. Literally it means a person has no idea, but it can also be used in a lot of expressions. Some of the translations of the term “ay ambot” include “I have no idea,” “I don’t care anymore,” “it does not matter,” and “I’m tired of that already.”
“Ay ambot nimo!”
“I’m tired of you already!”
Kuan
“Kuan” has become a universal word for just about anything. It can be a noun or a verb. In fact, it can be used numerous times in a Cebuano sentence and still make sense to some Cebuanos.
“Kadtong kuan ba, nag-kuan si kuan didto sa kuan adtong kuan.”
“That thing, somebody did something somewhere sometime.”
Learning to speak Cebuano is relatively easy, but using the expressions properly may take a lot of getting used to.
“Time for the feast.”
Patagad
Longtime residents of Cebu would remember the phrase “patagad.” It is used to describe someone who is seeking attention. It is derived from the word “tagad,” which means attention.
“Patagad ka?”
“Do you want some attention?”
Ay Ambot!
The term “ay ambot” can be used for a lot of situations for a Cebuano. Literally it means a person has no idea, but it can also be used in a lot of expressions. Some of the translations of the term “ay ambot” include “I have no idea,” “I don’t care anymore,” “it does not matter,” and “I’m tired of that already.”
“Ay ambot nimo!”
“I’m tired of you already!”
Kuan
“Kuan” has become a universal word for just about anything. It can be a noun or a verb. In fact, it can be used numerous times in a Cebuano sentence and still make sense to some Cebuanos.
“Kadtong kuan ba, nag-kuan si kuan didto sa kuan adtong kuan.”
“That thing, somebody did something somewhere sometime.”
Learning to speak Cebuano is relatively easy, but using the expressions properly may take a lot of getting used to.
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