GoIligan Micro-Guide: 50 Bisaya Phrases Every Filipino Should Know

Language is one of the easiest ways to connect with people — and in Mindanao, a little Bisaya goes a long way. Whether you’re traveling, doing business, exploring Iligan and its neighboring cities, or simply getting to know the culture better, learning a few essential Bisaya phrases instantly breaks down barriers. This GoIligan Micro-Guide gives you the 50 most commonly used Bisaya expressions, paired with their Tagalog meanings, so you can blend in faster, communicate smoother, and understand Mindanao on a deeper level.

These are real, everyday phrases — the kind you’ll hear in markets, terminals, cafés, and conversations with friends. Master even just a handful of them and you’ll immediately feel the difference in how people respond.

Your quick bridge between Bisaya and Tagalog — simple, useful, and perfect for daily conversations.

Let’s dive in.

Why This Guide Matters

Whether you’re traveling around Northern Mindanao, chatting with locals, or building better cultural connections, knowing a few Bisaya phrases instantly breaks barriers. These are the phrases people actually use — practical, friendly, and easy to remember.

Let’s jump straight to the essentials.

🔹 50 Common Bisaya → Tagalog Phrases

1–10: Greetings & Everyday Basics

1. Maayong buntag — Magandang umaga
2. Maayong hapon — Magandang hapon
3. Maayong gabii — Magandang gabi
4. Kumusta ka? — Kumusta ka?
5. Salamat — Salamat
6. Daghang salamat — Maraming salamat
7. Walay sapayan — Walang anuman
8. Pasayloa ko — Patawad / Pasensya
9. Palihog — Pakiusap / Paki
10. Oo / Dili — Oo / Hindi

11–20: Practical Daily Use

11. Unsa imong ngalan? — Ano ang pangalan mo?
12. Taga-asa ka? — Taga-saan ka?
13. Asa ka padulong? — Saan ka papunta?
14. Asa dapit ni? — Saan banda ito?
15. Unsa ni? — Ano ito?
16. Pila ni? — Magkano ito?
17. Ganahan ko ani. — Gusto ko ito.
18. Dili ko ganahan. — Hindi ko gusto.
19. Naa kay uban? — May kasama ka ba?
20. Hulat lang. — Sandali lang.

21–30: Travel & Directions

21. Asa ang CR? — Nasaan ang CR?
22. Tabangi ko beh. — Tulungan mo ako.
23. Na-unsa ka? — Anong nangyari sa’yo?
24. Pwede ko mokuyog? — Pwede ba akong sumama?
25. Asa ang terminal? — Saan ang terminal?
26. Di ko kabalo. — Hindi ko alam.
27. Kabaloka? — Alam mo ba?
28. Ari diri. — Dito.
29. Adto didto. — Doon.
30. Liko sa wala / tuo. — Kaliwa / kanan.

31–40: Feelings & Reactions

31. Kapoy kaayo. — Sobrang pagod.
32. Gigutom ko. — Gutom ako.
33. Giuhaw ko. — Uhaw ako.
34. Nindot! — Ang ganda! / Ang saya!
35. Lingaw kaayo. — Ang saya sobra.
36. Makagawas ko? — Pwede ba akong lumabas?
37. Ayaw kabalaka. — Huwag mag-alala.
38. Karon ra ko. — Ngayon lang ako.
39. Gihulat tika. — Hinihintay kita.
40. Kalma lang. — Kalma lang.

41–50: Super Useful Daily Phrases

41. Unsa imong gusto? — Ano ang gusto mo?
42. Unsay oras? — Anong oras na?
43. Pwede ko mosulay? — Pwede ko bang subukan?
44. Tagai ko ana. — Bigyan mo ako niyan.
45. Dali-a beh. — Bilisan mo naman.
46. Hinay-hinay lang. — Dahan-dahan lang.
47. Mag-unsa ta? — Anong gagawin natin?
48. Murag lisod. — Mukhang mahirap.
49. Sige, larga ta. — Sige, alis na tayo.
50. Amping! — Ingat!

🌿 Final Takeaway

Now that you’ve gone through the 50 most essential Bisaya phrases, you’re already better equipped to explore, engage, and enjoy Mindanao with confidence. Whether you use these phrases while commuting in Iligan, chatting with locals in CDO, or connecting with communities across Northern Mindanao, each line helps create rapport and shows respect for the local culture.
Keep this guide handy — share it, bookmark it, practice it. The more you use these phrases, the more natural they’ll feel, and the richer your Filipino travel and cultural experiences become.