Commonly-Used Conversational Hiligaynon Phrases And Questions
Getting around Bacolod City for the first time can be tricky for tourists and local visitors who come from other parts of the Philippines. There could be a language barrier here, too, if you don’t know how to get around the place. Here’s a handy lexicon of commonly used conversational Ilonggo (Hiligaynon) phrases and questions for tourists and non-Ilonggo-speaking visitors, especially useful in Bacolod and other parts of Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.
Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Maayong aga | Good morning |
| Maayong udto | Good noon |
| Maayong hapon | Good afternoon |
| Maayong gab-i | Good evening |
| Kamusta ka? | How are you? |
| Salamat | Thank you |
| Wala sang sapayan | You’re welcome |
| Pasensya na | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Palihog | Please |
| Pwede ko magpamangkot? | May I ask a question? |
Getting Around / Directions
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Diin ang ___? | Where is the ___? |
| Diin ang CR? | Where is the restroom? |
| Malayo pa? | Is it still far? |
| Sa wala | To the left |
| Sa tuo | To the right |
| Diretso lang | Just go straight |
| Lapit lang? | Is it near? |
Shopping & Market Phrases
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Tagpila ini? | How much is this? |
| Pwede maka-discount? | Can I get a discount? |
| Mahal man ah. | That’s expensive! |
| May lain pa nga kolor? | Do you have other colors? |
| Diin ang merkado? | Where is the market? |
Food & Dining
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Gutom na ko. | I’m hungry. |
| Namit gid! | Very delicious! |
| Wala ko ka intyende sang menu. | I can’t understand the menu. |
| Ano ini? | What is this? |
| Pwede ko mag-order? | Can I order? |
| Tubi lang anay. | Just water for now. |
| May pagkaon kamo nga walay karne? | Do you have vegetarian food? |
Transportation
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Sakay ta jeep? | Shall we ride the jeepney? |
| Sa diin ang terminal sang jeep? | Where is the jeepney terminal? |
| Ano ruta sini? | What is this route? |
| Pila pamasahe? | How much is the fare? |
| Lugar lang | (Say this when you want to get off a jeepney) |
Common Local Questions & Phrases
| Ilonggo Phrase | English Translation |
| Tagadiin ka? | Where are you from? |
| Bisita ka lang? | Are you just visiting? |
| Ano ngalan mo? | What’s your name? |
| Daw nami sina ah. | That looks nice! |
| Te, may ara ka pa pamangkot? | So, do you have more questions? |
Polish on your Hiligaynon-Ilonggo speak.