Feelings

1. Malipayon ko

   I am happy

   Usage

   A general sense of happiness. "Malipayon nga adlaw!" means "have a happy day"

2. Nalipay ko

   That made me glad

   Usage

   Happiness about something that just happened — show it after a kindness or a gift

3. Katawa kaayo

   So funny

   Usage

   The reaction to a joke. Use it with friends and people your own age

4. Excited ko

   I am excited

   Usage

   English "excited" slotted straight into Cebuano — completely ordinary in daily speech

5. Proud ko nimo

   I am proud of you

   Usage

   To praise someone. Swap "nimo" for "nako" to say it about yourself

6. Nahupay ko

   I am relieved

   Usage

   When a worry lifts — your bag turned up, you caught the boat

7. Gihigugma tika

   I love you

   Usage

   The set phrase for "I love you". Weighty — for a partner or family, not someone you just met

8. Gusto ko nimo

   I like you

   Usage

   Romantic "like". For things or food, say "Gusto ko ani" — I like this

9. Gimingaw ko nimo

   I miss you

   Usage

   One of the best-known Cebuano phrases. Works with friends, family and partners alike

10. Naguol ko

    I am sad

    Usage

    Deep sadness. The noun "guol" means grief or heaviness of heart

11. Nadismaya ko

    I am disappointed

    Usage

    When something falls short. Shown calmly, it makes a complaint without raising the temperature

12. Mingaw ko

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    The loneliness of being on your own. Said of a place, it means quiet and deserted

13. Nasuko ko

    I am angry

    Usage

    A strong statement — aimed at a person it damages the relationship. Use it to describe a situation

14. Naglagot ko

    I am irritated

    Usage

    Milder than nasuko — the colloquial word for grumbling to a friend

15. Nahadlok ko

    I am scared

    Usage

    Also useful for declining something. "Nahadlok ko sa iro" means "I am scared of dogs"

16. Nakuratan ko

    I was startled

    Usage

    For a sudden noise or event. It works for pleasant surprises too

17. Nabalaka ko

    I am worried

    Usage

    For uncertainty ahead — a typhoon, a cancelled boat

18. Gikulbaan ko

    I am nervous

    Usage

    "Kulba" is a racing heart. Use it before a dive or an interview

19. Nag-stress ko

    I am stressed

    Usage

    English "stress" with a Cebuano verb prefix — perfectly ordinary in conversation

20. Naulaw ko

    I am embarrassed

    Usage

    Covers both shyness and awkward apology — the standard line after a public slip

21. Gilaayan ko

    I am bored

    Usage

    "Laay" is boredom. Rude if aimed at a person — keep it about yourself

22. Gikapoy ko

    I am tired

    Usage

    The standard line after a day of island hopping — show it when you want a break

23. Katulgon ko

    I am sleepy

    Usage

    After a night boat or dawn flight. Distinct from gikapoy (tired)

24. Maayo ra ko

    I am fine

    Usage

    The standard answer to "Kumusta ka?", and also "I'm all right" when someone is worried about you

25. Dili maayo akong pamati

    I do not feel well

    Usage

    "Pamati" is how your body feels. Show this first when you cannot name a symptom

26. Nagmahay ko

    I regret it

    Usage

    "Mahay" is regret — for a purchase or a choice you wish you had made differently

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