Simbako - God forbid

InterjectionCultural Expressions

English Meaning

God forbid

Pronunciation

seem-BAH-koh

Capital letters indicate stressed syllables

Example Sentences

1. “Simbako! Ayaw na'g sultiha.”

“God forbid! Don't even say it.”

Related Words

Puhon

Hopefully / by God's will

Puyra buyag

Lest a curse befall (post-compliment)

Cultural Note

A short, sharp prayer-as-interjection. Said when someone mentions something terrible — a verbal flick to push the possibility away. Cebuanos believe naming bad things gives them weight.

Quick Reference

Bisaya

Simbako

English

God forbid

Pronunciation

seem-BAH-koh

Part of Speech

Interjection

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