Most Popular Cebuano Expressions You Need to Know

The island of Cebu is located in the central part of the Visayas islands in the Philippines. It is an island surrounded by islands and one of the best tourist destinations in the country. The people of Cebu are called Cebuanos and their language is called Cebuano. Just like any other islands in the world, Cebu has its own unique culture. So when you're visiting Cebu, it is better to understand their language and expressions. And here are some of the examples.

1. Gi atay, Ka Peste or Ka yawa

Gi-atay is originally a bad word. The root word is atay which literally means, liver. It's a word used to express disgust or frustration over anything. It is equivalent to the "F" word in English. Sometimes, they just say it atay instead of gi atay as a short cut. But as the Cebuano culture evolves, sometimes they used it as an expression of fun. So when you hear a Cebuano saying gi atay or atay, don't get upset. Because, it's either they're mad at something or just having some fun.

Ka peste or peste is similar to gi atay but more of a bad word. Basically, it's an expression of madness. The root word is peste which literally means, pest. You can also combine the two words by saying, gi atay-ka peste. That means, you are so upset.

Ka yawa or yawa literally means, evil. Just like peste and atay, they're bad words too and it has the same meaning as an expression. It's tantamount to cursing someone. You can also combine the two words, peste and yawa. And then it becomes, pesteng yawa. 

But as much as possible, Cebuanos try not to use these words in front of young children and while inside the church. They also avoid using these expressions during formal gatherings and functions. 

2. Mo Ray Ato

Originally, it's mao ray ato nimo. But Cebuanos love to short cut the words. And then it becomes, mo ray ato. It literally means, "that's what we get from you". But normally, it is an expression of disappointment or disagreeing on something. The equivalent expression in English is "there you go". Example: When someone wants to borrow money from you and you don't like it. Just simply tell him, mo ray ato. That means, your response is negative. The borrower will already understands that you said no.

3. Bai or Abai

Bai or Abai is a friendly word. It is literally referred to a friend. When you have a friend named John, you can him Bai John or Abai John. Cebuanos normally used it to a male friend. But lately, I heard some Cebuanos used it also to women. Another thing, if you talk to someone and you don't know his name, just call him Bai specially when you're asking something. Oftentimes, Cebuanos used it to address a stranger when asking for a direction.

4. Saba Diha and Pataka ka lang.

Saba diha is a negative word but not necessarily a bad word. It literally means, shut up or stop talking. Sometimes they used it to disagree on something. So when you're talking to a Cebuano and he says saba diha, that mean's he disagree with what you're saying. Or sometimes, he is just annoyed with your talking. But not all the time it is bad or negative. Sometimes it is used to tell someone to keep quiet. The manner of saying and facial expression will determine its meaning.

Pataka ka lang is a negative word. It's equivalent to saying "you don't know what you're talking". It's a word used to express disagreement on something but in a rude manner. Sometimes, it's a form of insult because of disagreement during a conversation or in an argument. But be aware also, sometimes they just used it for fun. Always observe their facial expression. 

And then you can combine the two by saying, saba diha, pataka ka lang. In English, it's "shut up, you don't know what you're talking".

5. Ambot

Ambot is also a negative word which literally means "I don't know". It is used to answer a question in a negative response. There are times that even if they know the answer, they still used it because they're not in the mood of answering the question. So when you ask a Cebuano on something and his answer is ambot, it means two things. It's either, he doesn't really know the answer or he doesn't want to answer the question. His facial expression will determine the real meaning.

6. Buang, Amaw or Tonto

Buang, amaw or tonto are all negative words. They have the same meaning. It literally means crazy, idiot or stupid. Cebuanos normally used it to call someone that they don't like but not all the time. There are times that they used it to call a friend just for fun. So when you hear a Cebuano saying buang, amaw or tonto to a stranger or to an enemy, it means bad. But when they say it to a friend in a conversation, that means they're just having some fun. 

7. Hala Ka Diha

Hala ka diha is purely an expression of surprise or cheering for something. It has no definite meaning. Example: When you're watching a basketball game and suddenly there was a fight. Instead of saying "Oh my God", just say it hala ka diha. Sometimes, it is an expression of excitement.

8. Na Hala

Na hala is a catchy Cebuano word. It can be both positive or negative depending on the mood of the person who used it. Basically, it is used to agree on something like saying "okay" in English. But there are times that they used it as an expression to disagree on something in a sarcastic manner. Purposely to end a conversation just to avoid further conflict. Facial expression will determine whether the response is positive or negative.

9. Sa On Ta Man

Originally, it was ipa unsa ta pa man na. And then Cebuanos made it short to, sa on ta man. They used it as an expression of grief or sadness. It's equivalent to saying "there's nothing we can do about it". It's about accepting a fact or news but with sadness or disbelief. Example: When someone told you that your friend was killed last night because of drugs. Your answer is, saon ta man. That means, you are sad but you are also aware that your friend was involved in drugs.

10. Mayra, Gaba or Nganong ni Enter

Mayra is tantamount to saying "bad karma". It's not necessarily a bad word. Cebuanos used it to express their happiness and satisfaction over bad things happened to a certain person. Specially if it's against someone that they don't like. Example: When a robber was killed by a responding police officer. They will simply say, mayra. That means, "good for him". But there's a catch. If they used it against a good person or somebody that is wrongly accused, then it becomes a bad word.

Gaba is exactly similar to mayra. Both literally and its meaning when used as an expression. 

Nganong ni enter is almost similar to mayra and gaba except that it has a different literal meaning. It literally means, "Why did you join?". It's an expression in a form of a question but in a friendly and funny manner. Example: When you see somebody vomiting in a party due to too much drinking of alcohol. Just say it, nganong ni enter. This expression is new but very popular to the young Cebuanos.

11. Botbot nimo, Loslos nimo or Estoryahee

Botbot literally means, intestine while nimo means, you. Therefore, botbot nimo literally means, your intestine. But when it is used as an expression, the meaning is completely different. This word is an expression of thumbing down someone. Example: When a politician is talking and you don't like what he says, you just simply tell him, botbot nimo. This is the equivalent of saying, "I don't believe you" or "I don't trust you".

Loslos has a different literal meaning and it means masturbation for men. But as an expression, it is completely similar to botbot nimo. Take note, it is more of a bad word.

Estoryahee is a new expression similar to botbot nimo. The root word is estorya, which literally means, story. This word is a product on the evolution of the Cebuano culture. I just heard it like 10 years ago. But it's really popular among the new generation. They normally used it for fun and it's not a bad word.

12. Butangi

The root word for butangi is butang which literally means, a thing. But as an expression, it has two different meanings depending on how you use it. If you use butangi in a command sentence, it is equivalent to saying, "punch him" or "hit him". But when you use it in response to being surprise, it is equivalent to saying, "what the fuck". The situation will determine the real meaning.

13. Daan Pa Ko and Gi Ingnan Ta Ka

Daan pa ko is equivalent to saying "I knew it". The root word is daan which literally means, old. Sometimes they say it this way, Da! daan pa ako. They add "da" before the word daan. The meaning remains the same but it adds color and emotions on the expression.

Gi ingnan ta ka is equivalent to saying "I told you". The root word is ingnan which literally means, tell. You can also combine the two words by saying, Daan pa ko, gi ingnan ta ka. That means, I knew it and I told you.

14. Ka Paet or Paeta

Ka paet or paeta is also an expression of disappointment or sadness. The root word is paet, which means bitter. Example: When you hear the news that the prices of gasoline are going up. You will say ka paet or paeta. Sometimes, they add the word hahay before these words just to add more feelings on the expression of sadness. And then it becomes hahay ka paet or hahay paeta. 

15. Unya, Sige Pa Ta Ani?

Unya, sige pa ta ani is an expression in a form of a question. It is also used to express of being tired on something and disappointment but in a sarcastic manner. Most of the time, they used it for fun just to appease themselves in a bad situation. Example: When a brown out occurs in your house while in the middle of doing something that is really important. You will say or even shout, unya, sige pa ta ani?. Basically, it is a shout out.

16. Pag Tsur Mo Oy

Pag tsur mo oy is an expression used to tell some people to do the right thing or to be true but in a way of having fun. Example: When you're watching a show and it does not meet your expectation. You will simply say or shout, pag tsur mo oy. Take note. Cebuanos are the most demanding audience in the Philippines. 

The word tsur was derived from the word "sure" while the word mo represents "you" in a plural form. Basically, it is a shout out addressed to a group of people. But if you want to use it to one person only, just delete the word mo. And then it becomes, pag tsur oy.

This expression is also a product on the evolution of the Cebuano language. This is new but very popular among the new generation. 

17. Ma-o or Bitaw

Ma-o or bitaw have no literal meanings. These are purely Cebuano words used as an expression to agree on something. Example: When someone is telling you something like an idea or a story and then you agree on what he's saying. Just simply tell him ma-o or bitaw. But you can also combine the words by saying, ma-o bitaw. Basically, these are positive and friendly words used to respond in a conversation. But take note. There are times that ma-o becomes ma-o na or ma-o sad. Those words are just extensions but the meaning is still the same. Typical Cebuanos are always creative with their expressions.

The author, Neil Edwin R. Wagas is a native Cebuano. He was born in Cebu, Philippines and lived there for 36 years before migrating to the U.S. in 2006.  He's a blogger, an activist, a sport fan and a songwriter.