Shopping

1. Pila kini?

   Pi-la ki-ni?

   How much is this?

   Usage

   The most basic way to ask a price

   Grammar Note

   "Kini" (this) is proximal demonstrative. "Kana" (that near you), "kadto" (that over there) for distance.

2. Mahimo bang mag-tawad?

   Ma-hi-mo bang mag-ta-wad?

   Can I bargain / get a discount?

   Usage

   Asking for a bargain at a market

   Grammar Note

   "Mahimo" expresses possibility. "Bang" softens the question. "Tawad" is the same in Tagalog.

3. Palita nako kini

   Pa-li-ta na-ko ki-ni

   I will buy this

   Usage

   Stating your intention to purchase

   Grammar Note

   "Palita" is the future/volitional form of "palit" (buy). In Cebuano, verb focus and tense are shown through affixes.

4. Mahal kaayo kini

   Ma-hal ka-a-yo ki-ni

   This is very expensive

   Usage

   Expressing that something is too expensive

   Grammar Note

   "Mahal" means both "expensive" and "beloved/dear". Same form and meaning as Tagalog.

5. Naa bay bag-ong modelo?

   Na-a bay bag-ong mo-de-lo?

   Do you have a new model?

   Usage

   Asking if a new model is available

   Grammar Note

   "Naa" is the Cebuano existential verb. "Modelo" from Spanish. "Bag-ong" means new.

6. Aduna ba'y diskwento?

   A-du-na ba'y dis-kwen-to?

   Is there a discount?

   Usage

   Asking if there is a discount available

   Grammar Note

   "Diskwento" is borrowed from Spanish "descuento". Useful when negotiating at markets or Pasalubong (souvenir) shops.

7. Nagtan-aw ra ko

   Nag-tan-aw ra ko

   I'm just looking

   Usage

   Letting a salesperson know you are just browsing

   Grammar Note

   "Nag-" is the progressive prefix. "Ra" is a limiter (equivalent to "lang") meaning "just/only". Compare Tagalog: "Nagti-tingin lang ako".

8. Naa ba'y mas gamay nga sukod?

   Na-a ba'y mas ga-may nga su-kod?

   Is there a smaller size?

   Usage

   Asking for a smaller size in clothing or shoes

   Grammar Note

   "Mas" (from Spanish "más") forms comparatives. "Nga" is the linker. Opposite: "mas dako" (bigger).

9. Pwede bang bayaran og credit card?

   Pwe-de bang ba-ya-ran og cre-dit card?

   Can I pay with a credit card?

   Usage

   Asking if credit card payment is accepted

   Grammar Note

   "Bayaran" is the object-focus verb form of "bayad" (payment). Cash is common in the Philippines, but cards are accepted at larger stores.

10. Pasalubong ang gusto ko

    Pa-sa-lu-bong ang gus-to ko

    I'm looking for pasalubong (souvenirs)

    Usage

    Shopping for pasalubong — the Filipino tradition of bringing gifts from travels

    Grammar Note

    "Pasalubong" is a Filipino cultural tradition of bringing gifts when returning from travel. Cebu specialties include dried mangoes and chicharon (fried pork rinds).

11. Dili ko kinahanglan og resibo

    Di-li ko ki-na-hang-lan og re-si-bo

    I don't need a receipt

    Usage

    How to decline when asked "Kuhaon nimo ang resibo?" (will you take the receipt?)

    Grammar Note

    Just add "og + noun" to "Dili ko kinahanglan" (I do not need it) to name what you are declining. "Og" marks an indefinite object, the same use as in "Hatagi ko og resibo" (give me a receipt). "Resibo" is borrowed from Spanish "recibo".

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