Learning conversational Cebuano

the cebu website

GREETINGS AND EXPRESSIONS OF RESPECT

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English
Cebuano
Come in!Dayon!
Welcome!Dayon!
Excuse me. (passing across two people talking to each other, or squeezing through a crowd)Paagi-a ko. (spoken in apologetic tone)
Tabì. (alternative translation)
Good morning.Maayong buntag.
Good high noon.Maayong udto.
Good afternoon.Maayong hapon.
Good evening.Maayong gabii.
Good bye.Babay.
Happy birthday.Happy birthday. (English expression preserved)
Maayong pagsaulog sa adlaw nga natawhan (more formal Cebuano birthday greeting -- a real challenge to the non-Cebuano!)
Happy anniversay.Happy anniversary. (English expression preserved)
Hello. (meeting someone face to face)Kumusta ka.
Hello! (calling out to someone inside the house while the greeter stands at the doorstep or at the gate)Maayo!
Hello. (answering the phone)Hello. (English word preserved)
How are you?Kumusta ka?
I'm glad to know you.
--or--
Nice meeting you.
Nalipay ko nga nagkaila ta.
I'm John.Ako si John.
I'm from Australia.Taga-Australia ko.
(If you are from Hongkong or from Texas, you say 'Taga-Hongkong ko.' or 'Taga-Texas ko')
I'm sorry.Pasaylo-a ko.
(although you can be equally understood if you say that single English word 'Sorry')
My name is Mary.Ako si Mary.
--or--

Ang akong ngalan mao si Mary.
Please ...Palihug ...
*'Please stand' = 'Palihug tindog' or 'Tindog palihug'
*'Please give me a glass of water' = 'Palihug hatagi kog usa ka basong tubig'
Thank you.Salamat.
What is your name?Unsay imong ngalan?
Where are you from?Taga-diin man ka?
You're welcome.
(Response to "Thank you")
Wa'y sapayan.


(Copyright©1999-2001 Oliver Nuñez Jr.)