Hello, everyone!
Today, let’s have fun learning Cebuano greetings together! Cebuano is one of the widely spoken languages in the Philippines. Let’s learn step by step and expand the phrases you can use! Now, let’s get started!

Let’s review this video lesson!

In this lesson, you will:
1: be able to use Cebuano greetings in your daily life.
2: learn important expressions in Cebuano.

Vocabulary

“Maayong buntag” – Good morning

1. Maayong
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Good, pleasant.
   • Function: Describes the noun buntag (morning).
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Maayo (good).
     • Suffix: -ng (linking particle that connects the adjective to the noun).
2. Buntag
   • Part of Speech: Noun
   • Meaning: Morning.
   • Function: Specifies the time of day being referred to.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Morning Greeting:
   • Used to greet someone in the morning, equivalent to “Good morning” in English.
   • Example:
     • Maayong buntag, Maria!
       (Good morning, Maria!)
2. Formal or Informal Settings:
   • Can be used in both formal and informal contexts when greeting someone in the morning.
   • Example:
     • Maayong buntag sad, Sir!
       (Good morning to you too, Sir!)
3. Expressing a Positive Mood in the Morning:
   • Can also indicate a cheerful or optimistic start to the day.
   • Example:
     • Maayong buntag, sugdan nato ang trabaho.
       (Good morning, let’s start working.)

“Maayong udto” – Good noon

1. Maayong
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Good, pleasant.
   • Function: Describes the noun udto (noon).
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Maayo (good).
     • Suffix: -ng (linking particle that connects the adjective to the noun).
2. Udto
   • Part of Speech: Noun
   • Meaning: Noon, midday.
   • Function: Specifies the time of day being referred to.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Midday Greeting:
   • Used to greet someone around noon, similar to saying “Good afternoon” in English, but specific to midday.
   • Example:
     • Maayong udto, kumusta ka?
       (Good noon, how are you?)
2. Formal or Informal Settings:
   • Suitable for both formal and casual conversations when greeting someone during lunch hours or midday.
   • Example:
     • Maayong udto sad, Boss!
       (Good noon to you too, Boss!)
3. Greeting Before or During Lunch:
   • Often used before starting a meal around midday.
   • Example:
     • Maayong udto! Mangaon ta!
       (Good noon! Let’s eat!)

“Maayong hapon” – Good afternoon

1. Maayong
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Good, pleasant.
   • Function: Describes the noun hapon (afternoon).
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Maayo (good).
     • Suffix: -ng (linking particle that connects the adjective to the noun).
2. Hapon
   • Part of Speech: Noun
   • Meaning: Afternoon.
   • Function: Refers to the specific time of day during the afternoon.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Afternoon Greeting:
   • Used to greet someone in the afternoon, equivalent to saying “Good afternoon” in English.
   • Example:
     • Maayong hapon, kumusta ka?
       (Good afternoon, how are you?)
2. Formal and Informal Conversations:
   • Can be used in both formal and casual settings.
   • Example:
     • Maayong hapon sad, Ma’am!
       (Good afternoon to you too, Ma’am!)
3. During Afternoon Gatherings or Meetings:
   • Often used at the beginning of events or interactions held in the afternoon.
   • Example:
     • Maayong hapon sa inyong tanan!
       (Good afternoon to everyone!)

“Maayong gabii” – Good evening

1. Maayong
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Good, pleasant.
   • Function: Describes the noun gabii (evening).
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Maayo (good).
     • Suffix: -ng (linking particle that connects the adjective to the noun).
2. Gabii
   • Part of Speech: Noun
   • Meaning: Evening, night.
   • Function: Refers to the time of day after sunset.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Evening Greeting:
   • Used to greet someone in the evening, equivalent to saying “Good evening” in English.
   • Example:
     • Maayong gabii, kumusta ka?
       (Good evening, how are you?)
2. Formal and Informal Conversations:
   • Suitable for both formal and casual settings.
   • Example:
     • Maayong gabii sad, Sir!
       (Good evening to you too, Sir!)
3. During Evening Events:
   • Often used at the start of evening gatherings, meetings, or interactions.
   • Example:
     • Maayong gabii sa tanan!
       (Good evening to everyone!)
4. Farewell at Night:
   • Can be used when parting ways at night to express politeness.
   • Example:
     • Maayong gabii, magkita ta ugma.
       (Good evening, see you tomorrow.)

“Maayong Pagkatulog” – Good night

1. Maayong
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Good, pleasant.
   • Function: Describes the noun pagkatulog (sleep).
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Maayo (good).
     • Suffix: -ng (linking particle that connects the adjective to the noun).
2. Pagkatulog
   • Part of Speech: Noun (Derived Verb Form)
   • Meaning: Sleep.
   • Function: Refers to the act of sleeping.
   • Structure:
     • Root Word: Tulog (to sleep).
     • *Prefix: Pagka-, which nominalizes the verb, turning it into a noun.

Prefix: Pagka-

The Cebuano prefix “pagka-“ is a derivational affix that is used to nominalize verbs and adjectives, turning them into nouns. It often conveys the idea of a state, quality, act, or condition related to the root word.

Primary Uses:

1. Nominalizing Verbs

When added to a verb, “pagka-“ turns the action into a noun that represents the act or process of the action.

• Example:
  • Tulog (to sleep) → Pagkatulog (the act of sleeping).
  • Buhat (to do) → Pagkabuhat (the act of doing).

2. Nominalizing Adjectives

When added to an adjective, “pagka-“ creates a noun that represents the state or quality described by the adjective.

• Example:
  • Maayo (good) → Pagkamaayo (goodness).
  • Nindot (beautiful) → Pagkanindot (beauty).

3. Expressing Abstract States or Qualities

“Pagka-“ is used to describe abstract ideas, states, or qualities in a general sense.

• Example:
  • Pagkabatan-on (youth, the state of being young).
  • Pagkatinuod (truth, the state of being true).
• Common Structures:

Pagka- + Root Word (Verb or Adjective) = Noun

• Pagkamaayo = Goodness
• Pagkatulog = Sleep
• Pagkabuang = Foolishness, insanity
• Pagkaimportante = Importance

Examples in Sentences:

Nominalizing Verbs:

1. Importante ang maayong pagkatulog.
   (Good sleep is important.)
2. Ang pagkatinuod mao ang importante.
   (The truth is what matters.)

Nominalizing Adjectives:

1. Ang pagkamaayo niya makita sa iyang mga binuhatan.
   (His goodness can be seen in his actions.)
2. Ang pagkanindot sa lugar kay makapahimuot.
   (The beauty of the place is delightful.)

Expressing Abstract States:

1. Ang pagkabata mao ang pinakamasadya nga panahon.
   (Childhood is the most joyful time.)
2. Ang pagkaimportante sa edukasyon dili angay kalimtan.
   (The importance of education should not be forgotten.)

Similar Prefixes:

1. Pag-: Also nominalizes verbs but without emphasizing the abstract or state.
   • Example: Pagtuon (studying) vs. Pagkatuon (the act/state of studying).
2. Ka-: Can also form nouns but typically emphasizes a personal or specific quality.
   • Example: Kamaayo (goodness, skill) vs. Pagkamaayo (general goodness).

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Before Someone Goes to Sleep:
   • Used to wish someone a restful night before they go to bed.
   • Example:
     • Maayong pagkatulog, Maria!
       (Sleep well, Maria!)
2. In a Caring or Polite Context:
   • Shows care and kindness when bidding someone good night.
   • Example:
     • Maayong pagkatulog sa tanan!
       (Good sleep to everyone!)
3. In Conversations About Sleep:
   • Can be used to talk about or emphasize the importance of good sleep.
   • Example:
     • Importante ang maayong pagkatulog para sa maayong panglawas.
       (Good sleep is important for good health.)

Similar Phrases:

1. Maayong gabii, tulog na.
   (Good evening, time to sleep.)
2. Tulog na, maayong pagkatulog!
   (Go to sleep, sleep well!)
3. Maayong pagpahuway!
   (Have a good rest!)

“Salamat” – Thank you

1. Interjection
   • Meaning: Thank you.
   • Function: Expresses gratitude or appreciation.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Expressing Gratitude:
   • Used to thank someone in casual or formal contexts.
   • Example:
     • Salamat sa imong tabang.
       (Thank you for your help.)
2. Acknowledging a Favor or Kindness:
   • Used to show appreciation for a favor or a kind gesture.
   • Example:
     • Salamat, Boss! Naapsan nako ang deadline.
       (Thank you, Boss! I was able to meet the deadline.)
3. Polite Conversations:
   • Used in general polite conversations, often at the end of an interaction.
   • Example:
     • Salamat, ug magkita ta unya.
       (Thank you, and let’s meet later.)
4. In Formal or Ceremonial Contexts:
   • Used to express gratitude during speeches, events, or formal gatherings.
   • Example:
     • Daghang salamat sa inyong pagdawat kanamo.
       (Many thanks for welcoming us.)

Related Expressions:

1. Daghang salamat
   • (Many thanks / Thank you very much) – Adds emphasis to gratitude.
2. Salamat kaayo
   • (Thank you very much) – Similar to “Daghang salamat” but more commonly used in conversation.
3. Walay sapayan
   • (You’re welcome) – A polite response to “Salamat.”

Wala’y sapayan – You’re welcome

1. Phrase (Expression)
   • It combines a negative particle (wala’y) and a noun (sapayan) to form an expression.

1. Wala’y
   • Part of Speech: Negative Particle
   • Meaning: None / Nothing.
   • Function: Denies or negates something.
2. Sapayan
   • Part of Speech: Noun
   • Meaning: A burden, trouble, or something to be concerned about.
   • Function: Indicates something of concern or effort.

Literal Translation: “No burden” or “No trouble.”

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Responding to Thanks:
   • Used when someone says “Salamat” to express that their gratitude is appreciated, but no burden was caused.
   • Example:
     • Person A: Salamat kaayo sa imong tabang!
       (Thank you very much for your help!)
     • Person B: Wala’y sapayan.
       (You’re welcome.)
2. Casual and Formal Settings:
   • Suitable for both informal and formal conversations to show politeness.
   • Example:
     • Person A: Daghang salamat, Sir, sa imong pagbisita.
       (Thank you very much, Sir, for your visit.)
     • Person B: Wala’y sapayan.
       (You’re welcome.)
3. Reassuring Someone:
   • Can be used to reassure someone that their request or action wasn’t troublesome.
   • Example:
     • Person A: Pasensya na sa abala.
       (Sorry for the inconvenience.)
     • Person B: Wala’y sapayan.
       (It’s no problem.)

Similar Expressions:

1. Walay problema
   • (No problem) – A more casual and modern way of saying the same.
2. Dili na problema
   • (That’s not a problem) – Another casual alternative.
3. Okay ra
   • (It’s okay) – Informal and very casual.

Kumusta ka? – How are you?

1. Kumusta
   • Part of Speech: Interjection
   • Meaning: How are you? / How are things?
   • Function: Serves as a greeting or inquiry about someone’s current condition.
   • Origin: Derived from the Spanish “¿Cómo está?” (How are you?).
2. Ka
   • Part of Speech: Pronoun (Second Person Singular)
   • Meaning: You.
   • Function: Refers to the person being addressed.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. General Greeting:
   • Used at the start of a conversation to check on someone’s condition or mood.
   • Example:
     • Kumusta ka?
       (How are you?)
2. Casual and Formal Settings:
   • Suitable for both informal conversations with friends and formal interactions with colleagues or elders.
   • Example:
     • Kumusta ka, Ma’am?
       (How are you, Ma’am?)
3. Reconnecting After Some Time:
   • Used when meeting someone after a gap in communication.
   • Example:
     • Kumusta ka? Dugay na ta wala magkita.
       (How are you? It’s been a long time since we last met.)

Variations of “Kumusta ka?”:

1. Kumusta ka karon?
   • (How are you today?) – Adds “karon” (now) for specificity.
2. Kumusta imong adlaw?
   • (How is your day?) – Focuses on their current day.
3. Kumusta mo?
   • (How are you all?) – Plural form, addressing a group.

Responses to “Kumusta ka?”:

1. Maayo ra ko, salamat.
   • (I’m fine, thank you.)
2. Okay ra ko.
   • (I’m okay.)
3. Kapoy gamay, pero okay ra.
   • (A little tired, but I’m okay.)

Okay ra – I’m fine or I’m okay.

1. Okay
   • Part of Speech: Adjective
   • Meaning: Fine, acceptable, or okay.
   • Function: Describes a state or condition.
2. Ra
   • Part of Speech: Particle
   • Meaning: Only, just.
   • Function: Adds emphasis to the simplicity or sufficiency of the statement, implying “just okay” or “simply fine.”

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Responding to “Kumusta ka?” (How are you?):
   • A simple and casual way to say that you’re fine.
   • Example:
     • Person A: Kumusta ka?
       (How are you?)
     • Person B: Okay ra.
       (I’m okay.)
2. Acknowledging Something as Fine:
   • Used to show that something is acceptable or not a problem.
   • Example:
     • Person A: Pasensya na kaayo sa abala.
       (I’m really sorry for the inconvenience.)
     • Person B: Okay ra.
       (It’s okay.)
3. Expressing Resilience or Indifference:
   • Can imply that things are fine despite challenges or issues.
   • Example:
     • Kapoy gamay, pero okay ra.
       (A little tired, but it’s okay.)

Variations:

1. Okay ra ko.
   • (I’m okay.) – More specific response.
2. Okay ra na.
   • (That’s okay.) – Refers to a situation or object being fine.
3. Okay lang.
   • (It’s just fine.) – A slightly more casual variation.

Similar Phrases:

1. Maayo ra.
   • (I’m fine.)
2. Walay problema.
   • (No problem.)
3. Dili na problema.
   • (That’s not a problem.)

Palihug – Please

1. Interjection
   • Meaning: Please.
   • Function: Expresses politeness when making a request.

Situations in Which It Is Used:

1. Making Requests Politely:
   • Used when asking someone to do something in a courteous way.
   • Example:
     • Palihug ko og tubig.
       (Please give me some water.)
2. Asking for Help:
   • Frequently used when asking for assistance or a favor.
   • Example:
     • Palihug tabangi ko.
       (Please help me.)
3. Requesting Actions in Conversations:
   • Can be used in instructions or suggestions to soften the tone.
   • Example:
     • Palihug isulti ang imong pangalan.
       (Please say your name.)

Variations

1. Palihug ko
   • Adds emphasis to the request, meaning “Please, I ask.”
   • Example: Palihug ko og abli sa bintana. (Please open the window.)
2. Palihug lang
   • Implies “Just please,” adding a gentle or humble tone.
   • Example: Palihug lang og hinay-hinay. (Please go slowly.)
3. Palihug ug
   • Used when followed by an action or object.
   • Example: Palihug ug sulat niini. (Please write this down.)

Responses to “Palihug”:

1. Walay sapayan.
   • (You’re welcome.)
2. Oo, akong buhaton.
   • (Yes, I will do it.)
3. Sige, akong tan-awon.
   • (Okay, I’ll see to it.)

Similar Phrases:

1. Pwede ba
   • (Can you…) – A less formal way to make a request.
   • Example: Pwede ba nimo kuhaon ang libro? (Can you get the book?)
2. Mangayo ko og tabang.
   • (I’m asking for help.) – A direct statement of need.

Flashcard

Here is the flashcard set prepared for you. You can choose from various modes from the dropdown menu in the bottom right corner, so please make use of it.

Dialogue Practice

Here are the translations and explanations of the Cebuano words in the dialogue.

1. Naa si – “There is” or “He/She is there” (used to indicate the presence of someone)
2. Naa diri – “Is here” (used to indicate something or someone is at this location)
3. Ali sulod – “Entering” (used to describe someone entering a place)
4. Lingkod lang – “Just sit” (a request or suggestion to sit down)
5. Tawagon – “Will be called” (future tense of call)
6. Naa diay – “Oh, there is/are” (expression of surprise upon discovering something)
7. Mana – short form of “Humana” meaning finished/done
8. Kaon – “Eat” (command or suggestion to eat)
9. Nakalaag – “Went for a stroll/walk” (past tense of going out leisurely)
10. Balik – “Return” or “Come back” (command or suggestion to return)
11. Inyoha – “Yours” (possessive, indicating something belongs to the person spoken to)
12. Trabaho – “Work” or “Job” (noun referring to employment or an occupation)
13. Ikumusta – “To ask about/how is” (used to inquire about someone’s condition or to send regards)

Comprehension Quiz

1. How do we say ‘Good night’ in Cebuano?
   a) Maayong buntag
   b) Maayong hapon
   c) Maayong pagkatulog
   d) Maayong gabii
2. How do we say ‘I’m fine’ in Cebuano?
   a) Kumusta?
   b) Okay ra
   c) Dili okay
   d) Ambot lang
3. Do we say Maayong hapon when it’s 3pm?
   a) Yes
   b) No
   c) Maybe
   d) Possibly
4. How do we answer the question ‘Kumusta ka?’
   a) Ambot lang
   b) Maayong udto
   c) O
   d) Okay ra
5. What’s the Cebuano of ‘please’?
   a) Palihug
   b) Ako
   c) Salamat
   d) Way sapayan
6. Where is Kenta?
   a) Sa eskwelahan
   b) Sa balay
   c) Sa trabaho
   d) Wala giingon
7. What did Rey ask John?
   a) Kumusta imong mama?
   b) Nangaon na ba ka?
   c) Kumusta imong papa?
   d) Asa ka paingon?
8. What is John’s father’s situation?
   a) Nagretiro na siya.
   b) Sige ang trabaho.
   c) Naa sa bakasyon.
   d) Nagmasakiton.

Comprehension Quiz answer

Here are the answers to the comprehension quiz along with brief explanations:

1. How do we say ‘Good night’ in Cebuano?
   • Answer: d) Maayong gabii
   • Explanation: “Maayong gabii” directly translates to “Good evening” or “Good night” in English, and is used to greet someone during the evening or night time.
2. How do we say ‘I’m fine’ in Cebuano?
   • Answer: b) Okay ra
   • Explanation: “Okay ra” is a common response in Cebuano to the question “Kumusta ka?” (How are you?), meaning “I’m fine.”
3. Do we say Maayong hapon when it’s 3pm?
   • Answer: a) Yes
   • Explanation: “Maayong hapon” means “Good afternoon” in Cebuano, and it is appropriate to use during the afternoon hours, such as 3pm.
4. How do we answer the question ‘Kumusta ka?’
   • Answer: d) Okay ra
   • Explanation: “Okay ra” is a typical response to “Kumusta ka?” indicating that the person is doing fine.
5. What’s the Cebuano of ‘please’?
   • Answer: a) Palihug
   • Explanation: “Palihug” is used in Cebuano to politely request something, equivalent to saying “please” in English.
6. Where is Kenta?
   • Answer: b) Sa balay
   • Explanation: In the dialogue, Kenta’s mother mentions he is at home (“Naa diri”) when John asks about him.
7. What did Rey ask John?
   • Answer: c) Kumusta imong papa?
   • Explanation: Rey asked John “Kumusta man imong papa?” which means “How is your father?”
8. What is John’s father’s situation?
   • Answer: b) Sige ang trabaho
   • Explanation: John mentions his father is busy with his work, which is conveyed by “Busy man sad si papa sa iyang trabaho.”

Rearrangement Quiz

Here are five rearrangement quizzes based on the conversation, where the sentences are mixed up and need to be put in the correct order:

Quiz 1:

1. John: Maayong Buntag, Tita. Naa si Kenta?
2. Kenta’s mama: Lingkod lang usa palihug dong. Tawagon usa nako si Kenta.
3. Kenta’s mama: Maayong Buntag sad dong. Naa diri dong. Alisulod.
4. John: Salamat te.

Quiz 2:

1. John: Maayong gabii, Tito.
2. Rey: Oi, bie sad dong. Naa diay ka. Mana mo og kaon?
3. John: O, mana Tito.
4. Rey: Kumusta man imong papa? Wala naman ko nakalaag og balik sa inyoha oi.

Quiz 3:

1. John: Okay ra siya Uncle. Busy man sad si papa sa iyang trabaho.
2. Rey: Aw, ikumusta lang ko niya dong.
3. John: Sige, uncle.
4. John: Maayong gabii, Tito.

Quiz 4:

1. Rey: Kumusta man imong papa? Wala naman ko nakalaag og balik sa inyoha oi.
2. John: O, mana Tito.
3. Rey: Oi, bie sad dong. Naa diay ka. Mana mo og kaon?
4. John: Maayong gabii, Tito.

Quiz 5:

1. Kenta’s mama: Maayong Buntag sad dong. Naa diri dong. Alisulod.
2. John: Salamat te.
3. Kenta’s mama: Lingkod lang usa palihug dong. Tawagon usa nako si Kenta.
4. John: Maayong Buntag, Tita. Naa si Kenta?

Quiz 1:Correct Order:

• 1, 3, 4, 2

Quiz 2:Correct Order:

• 1, 2, 3, 4

Quiz 3:Correct Order:

• 4, 1, 2, 3

Quiz 4:Correct Order:

• 4, 3, 2, 1

Quiz 5:Correct Order:

• 4, 1, 2, 3

Feel free to leave a comment with any requests or questions you may have. We’re always happy to hear from you!