Phrasebook
I love you
gee-hee-GOOG-mah tee-KAH (approximately; the h is lightly aspirated)
gihigugma = love or care for deeply
tika = you, the person being addressed
This is a direct and sincere declaration of love in Bisaya (Cebuano). It is used mainly in romantic contexts, although it can also express deep love for someone close depending on the situation.
My life
kee-nah-BOO-hee koh
kinabuhi = life or existence
ko = my / mine
An affectionate way to address a partner or someone deeply loved, equivalent to “my life.” Outside this endearing form of address, the possessive construction “akong kinabuhi” is commonly used for “my life” within a sentence.
My love
LAHNG-gah koh (pronounce “ng” as a single sound)
langga = love, darling, or beloved person
ko = my / mine
An affectionate expression used to address a partner or someone deeply loved. “Langga” is a shortened form of “palangga”; together with “ko,” it conveys “my love” or “my darling.” It may also be used affectionately with family members, depending on context.