Phrasebook
Do you like getting very dressed up?
gah-NAH-hahn bah kah mahg-ah-YOHS og mah-AH-yoh (approximately)
ganahan ba ka = do you like
mag-ayos = to get ready, dress up, or groom yourself
og maayo = well or with considerable care
A casual, gender-neutral question about whether someone enjoys spending time and attention on clothing, hair, makeup, or their overall appearance.
Was today good?
mah-AH-yoh bah ahng AHD-low kah-ROHN (approximately)
maayo ba = was it good or fine
ang adlaw = the day
karon = today
An informal question used to ask whether the day was good overall and left a positive impression.
Did everything go well?
mah-AH-yoh rah bah ang tah-NAHN
maayo = well / good
ra = just / indicates things were fine
ba = question particle
ang tanan = everything
A natural question used to confirm whether a situation, activity, or day ended without problems.
What did you do today?
oon-SAI EE-mong gee-BOO-haht kah-ROHN
unsa = what
y = sound linker
imong = your / by you
gibuhat = did / made
karon = today / now
An everyday question used to start a conversation and ask what someone did during the day.
What kind of music do you like?
OON-sahng KLAH-seh sah moo-SEE-kah ahng EE-mong gah-NAH-hahn
unsang klase = what kind
sa musika = of music
ang imong ganahan = the kind you like
This is an everyday question used to learn about the musical tastes of another person. It can lead to a conversation about genres such as pop, rock, reggaeton, classical music, jazz, or traditional music, as well as favorite artists and songs.
Do you like meeting new people?
gah-NAH-hahn bah kah mah-KEE-lah og BAHG-ohng muh-NGAH TAH-woh (approximately)
ganahan ba ka = do you like
makaila = to meet or get to know
og bag-ong mga tawo = new people
A casual question used to ask whether someone enjoys socializing, expanding their circle, and forming new friendships.
Are you feeling relaxed?
hah-YAH-high rah bah kah (approximately)
hayahay = relaxed, comfortable, or at ease
ra = just or simply; softens the expression
ba = question particle
ka = you
An informal question used to ask whether someone feels relaxed, comfortable, and free from too much tension at that moment.
Are you doing okay?
oh-KAY rah kah (approximately)
okay = okay or doing well
ra = just, simply, or without a problem
ka = you
This is a short informal question used to check how another person is doing. It can work as a casual greeting equivalent to everything okay with you, but it may also show genuine concern if someone appears sad, tired, or uncomfortable. Okay is a very common loanword in everyday Cebuano speech. A simple answer is Okay ra ko, meaning I am okay.
Do you like peaceful places?
gah-NAH-hahn bah kah og muh-NGAH mah-lee-NAH-won ngah loo-GAHR (approximately)
ganahan ba ka = do you like
og mga = some
malinawon nga = peaceful or quiet
lugar = places
A casual question used to learn whether someone prefers calm, quiet places away from noise or commotion.
Did anything good happen to you?
nah-ah bye mah-AH-yong nah-hee-TAH-boh NEE-moh
naa ba = was there / did there happen
y = sound linker before the next word
maayong = good
nahitabo = happened
nimo = to you
A friendly question that invites someone to share something positive that happened during their day.
What do you do for fun?
OON-sai EE-mong gee-nah-BOO-haht PAH-rah mah-LEE-ngow
unsay = what
imong = you or your
ginabuhat = regularly do
para = for or in order to
malingaw = have fun or enjoy yourself
This is an everyday question used to learn which activities someone does for pleasure rather than out of obligation. It may refer to hobbies, entertainment, creative activities, sports, or anything else the person enjoys.
How is everything?
koo-MOOS-tah ahng TAH-nahn (approximately)
kumusta = how is or how are
ang = topic marker similar to the
tanan = everything or everyone
This is a short informal question used to ask how things are in general. Depending on context, it can refer to the day, a situation, work, family, or several matters at once. It also works as a greeting when resuming a conversation. A common answer is Maayo ra ang tanan, meaning Everything is fine.