Useful Phrases

1. Ako ang naghimo niining app

   A-ko ang nag-hi-mo ni-i-ning app

   I made this app

   Usage

   Introduce the app in Cebuano

   Grammar Note

   Cebuano is a focus-marking language. "Ang" marks the focused noun phrase

2. Kining app libre

   Ki-ning app li-bre

   This app is free

   Usage

   Explain the app is free

   Grammar Note

   "Libre" is a Spanish loanword meaning "free" in Cebuano

3. Sulayi og download

   Su-la-yi og download

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Sulayi" is the imperative of sulay (to try). "Og" is the particle marking the thing tried, here the action "download"

4. Hapon ko

   Ha-pon ko

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Introduce your nationality

   Grammar Note

   Cebuano can omit the copula: "nationality + ko" is a simple way to express it

5. Turista ko

   Tu-ris-ta ko

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Identify yourself as a traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Turista" is borrowed from Spanish "turista"; put the noun first and add "ko" (I) after it to say "I am a ..."

6. Nag-inusara ko mag-byahe

   Nag-i-nu-sa-ra ko mag-bya-he

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Tell others you are traveling solo

   Grammar Note

   "Byahe" (travel) is borrowed from Spanish "viaje"

7. Unang higayon nako diri

   U-nang hi-ga-yon na-ko di-ri

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Express that this is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "Una" (first) + "ng" + "higayon" (occasion/time) = "first time"

8. Pwede ko bang mokuha og hulagway?

   Pwe-de ko bang mo-ku-ha og hu-la-gway?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask for permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Pwede" from Spanish "puede". "Bang" is a softening question particle

9. Pwede ta bang mag-selfie?

   Pwe-de ta bang mag-selfie?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Ta" is the inclusive "we" including both the speaker and listener

10. Palihug i-scan ang QR code

    Pa-li-hug i-scan ang QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Ask someone to scan the QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Palihug" is Cebuano for "please". "I-" is a patient-focus prefix

11. Ayaw ko limbongi

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong protest used when being cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Ayaw + ko + verb" is the Cebuano prohibition imperative (don't do ... to me). "Limbongi" is the imperative of a verb derived from "limbon" (trap/deceit)

12. Ayaw ko tamaya

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone dismisses or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Ayaw + ko + verb" is the prohibition imperative "don't ... me" (same frame as "Ayaw ko hilabti!"). "Tamaya" is tamay (to look down on) with the imperative -a

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