Entrance
Usage
Marks the way into buildings, malls and facilities; signage in Cebu is in English. The Cebuano word is sulodanan
Exit
Usage
Marks the way out of buildings, malls and facilities. The Cebuano word is gawasan
Fire Exit
Emergency exit
Usage
In the Philippines emergency exits are almost always signed FIRE EXIT rather than Emergency Exit
Open
Open (for business)
Usage
The flip sign hung on shop doors; the reverse side reads Closed. The Cebuano words are abli and bukas
Closed
Usage
The reverse side of the shop flip sign. The Cebuano word is sirado
Comfort Room (C.R.)
Restroom / toilet
Usage
In the Philippines toilets are signed Comfort Room or simply C.R.; the word Toilet is rarely used
Men
Usage
Marks the men's side of toilets and changing rooms. The Cebuano word is lalaki
Women
Usage
Marks the women's side of toilets and changing rooms. The Cebuano word is babaye
No Entry
No entry
Usage
Keeps the public out of an area; sometimes written in Filipino as Bawal Pumasok, or in Cebuano as Bawal mosulod
No Smoking
No smoking
Usage
Smoking is banned in enclosed public places nationwide; in Cebuano the sign reads Bawal manigarilyo
Smoking Area
Smoking area
Usage
Marks the designated area where smoking is allowed, usually an outdoor corner
Stairs
Usage
Directs you to the stairway. The Cebuano word is hagdan
Push
Usage
Printed on doors to show which way they open. The Cebuano word is tulod
Pull
Usage
Printed on doors to show which way they open. The Cebuano word is bira
Under Construction
Under construction
Usage
Marks an area closed off for building work
Out of Order
Out of order
Usage
Posted on broken ATMs, lifts and toilets; sometimes handwritten simply as Sira, meaning broken
Bawal
Prohibited / not allowed
Usage
The word that heads almost every prohibition sign, followed by a verb: Bawal Umihi (no urinating), Bawal Magtapon (no littering). If you see it, something is forbidden
More Cebuano phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences