Question Words

1. Unsa?

   Un-sa?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. Asa?

   A-sa?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. Kanus-a?

   Ka-nus-a?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. Kinsa?

   Kin-sa?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. Ngano?

   Nga-no?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. Unsaon?

   Un-sa-on?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. Pila ka buok?

   Pi-la ka bu-ok?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. Tagpila?

   Tag-pi-la?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. Asa ani?

   A-sa a-ni?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. Unsa ni?

    Un-sa ni?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. Asa ang kasilyas?

    A-sa ang ka-sil-yas?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. Unsa nang orasa?

    Un-sa nang o-ra-sa?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. Naa ba?

    Na-a ba?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. Pwede ba?

    Pwe-de ba?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. Bayad ba ni?

    Ba-yad ba ni?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. Libre ba ni?

    Li-bre ba ni?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. Pwede ba ni?

    Pwe-de ba ni?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asking for permission — often used together with pointing

18. Dili pwede?

    Di-li pwe-de?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being told no

19. Okay ra ka?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone’s wellbeing — a different role from qst-017, which asks permission

20. Tinuod ba?

    Ti-nu-od ba?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Sigurado ka?

    Si-gu-ra-do ka?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Used to press for certainty about a fact — more formal than qst-020 ("Really?")

22. Taga-asa ka?

    Ta-ga-a-sa ka?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

23. Unsa imong ngalan?

    Un-sa i-mong nga-lan?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

24. Pila imong edad?

    Pi-la i-mong e-dad?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking age directly is best kept for people you already know — it can feel intrusive with strangers, especially women

25. Pwede ta mag-picture?

    Pwe-de ta mag-picture?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask permission before taking a photo together

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