Phrasebook
Do you need to stay busy?
kee-nah-HAHNG-lahn bah ngah PEER-mee kahng BEE-zee
kinahanglan ba = do you need / is it necessary
nga pirmi kang = that you are always
busy = busy / occupied
Used to ask whether someone feels a need to remain constantly occupied or always have an activity to do. Busy is a very common English loanword in everyday speech.
Do you prefer quiet days?
mahs gah-NAH-hahn kah ohg mah-lee-NAH-wohn ngah mah-ngah AHD-low
mas ganahan ka = do you prefer / do you like more
og malinawon = peaceful / quiet
nga mga adlaw = days
Used to ask whether someone prefers calm days with few activities, little noise, or a more relaxed pace.
Do you like having a routine?
gah-NAH-hahn kah bah ngah NAH-ai roo-TEE-nah
ganahan ka ba = do you like
nga naay = having / that there is
rutina = a routine
Used to ask whether someone enjoys maintaining a routine, following schedules, or repeating certain habits regularly. The natural meaning is whether they like having a routine.
Is it hard for you to start something new?
LEE-sohd bah PAH-rah NEE-moh ahng pahg-SOO-gohd ohg bahg-OHNG BOO-tahng
lisod ba para nimo = is it difficult for you
ang pagsugod = to start / beginning
og bag-ong butang = something new / a new thing
Used to ask whether someone finds it difficult to begin a project, activity, habit, or new stage. It can open a conversation about motivation, fear, or resistance to change.
Do you adapt quickly?
DAH-lee rah bah kah mah-kah-ahd-JUST
dali ra ba = easily / quickly
ka maka-adjust = can you adjust / do you adapt
Used to ask whether someone can adapt quickly to changes, places, people, or new situations. Adjust is commonly used as an English loanword in everyday Bisaya.
Do you often change your plans?
kah-SAH-gah-rahn bah NEE-mohng OOS-bohn ahng EE-mohng mah-ngah PLAH-noh
kasagaran ba nimo = do you usually / often
nga usbon = change / modify
ang imong mga plano = your plans
Used to ask whether someone frequently changes their plans because of new circumstances, indecision, or a preference for spontaneity.
Do you like to improvise?
gah-NAH-hahn kah bah mahg-EEM-proh-vise
ganahan ka ba = do you like
mag-improvise = to improvise / act without a fixed plan
Used to ask whether someone enjoys creating, acting, or solving situations on the spot without following a predetermined plan. Improvise is used as a common English loanword.
Do you tend to think things over a lot?
HEE-leeg kah bah mahg-hoo-nah-HOO-nah pahg-AH-yoh sah mah-ngah BOO-tahng
hilig ka ba = do you tend to / are you inclined to
maghunahuna pag-ayo = think deeply / think a lot
sa mga butang = about things / situations
Used to ask whether someone tends to analyze or think carefully about situations before acting or making a decision. Depending on the tone, it may also suggest overthinking.
Does uncertainty make you uncomfortable?
DEE-lee kah kohm-POR-tah-bleh koong DEE-lee see-goo-RAH-doh ahng mah-ngah BOO-tahng
dili ka komportable = you are not comfortable / are you uncomfortable
kung dili sigurado = when things are uncertain
ang mga butang = things / situations
Used to ask whether someone feels uncomfortable when a situation is unclear or its outcome is uncertain. It can open a conversation about anxiety, control, and tolerance of uncertainty.
Do you like to have everything clear?
gah-NAH-hahn kah ngah KLAH-roh ahng tah-NAHN
ganahan ka = do you like
nga klaro = to be clear / that it is clear
ang tanan = everything
Used to ask whether someone prefers information, plans, or situations to be clearly defined. It may relate to communication, organization, or a need for certainty.
What are you like when you care about someone?
OON-sah kah koong NAH-ah kai GOOG-mah sah OO-sah kah TAH-woh
unsa ka = what are you like
kung = when / if
naa kay = you have / there is in you
gugma = love or affection
sa usa ka tawo = for a person / for someone
Used to ask how someone changes or behaves when they feel affection, love, or special interest toward another person.
What are you like when you are happy?
OON-sa ka kung ma-lee-PA-yon ka
unsa ka = what are you like
kung malipayon ka = when you are happy
Used to ask what someone is like or how they act when they are happy, cheerful, or in a good mood.