Common Sentence Patterns

'Gusto ko + verb' (I want to...) is arguably the most useful beginner pattern because it unlocks hundreds of sentences immediately. 'Gusto ko mokaon' (I want to eat), 'Gusto ko moadto' (I want to go), 'Gusto ko makita ka' (I want to see you). Master this pattern and you can express wants, preferences, and desires right away without needing to understand the full verb conjugation system.

'Pila ang...?' is the standard pattern. 'Pila ang kani?' (How much is this?), 'Pila ang pamasahe?' (How much is the fare?), 'Pila ang usa ka kilo?' (How much is one kilo?). 'Pila' literally means 'how many/much' and is paired with 'ang' before the item you're asking about. In markets and shops this is one of the most frequently used question patterns in everyday Bisaya.

Use 'Naay + noun + diri/didto?' — for example, 'Naay CR diri?' (Is there a comfort room/bathroom here?), 'Naay ATM didto?' (Is there an ATM there?). 'Naay' is the contracted form of 'naa' (there is) + 'y' (the linker). It's among the most practical patterns for travelers and newcomers navigating unfamiliar places.

'Gusto ko' expresses want or desire — something you'd like to do. 'Kinahanglan ko' expresses need or necessity — something you must do. 'Gusto ko mokaon ug lechon' (I want to eat lechon) versus 'Kinahanglan ko mokaon ug tambal' (I need to take medicine). Both are followed by a verb for actions, or by 'ug + noun' for objects.

'Asa ang + noun?' is the standard pattern: 'Asa ang mall?' (Where is the mall?), 'Asa ang pultahan?' (Where is the door?), 'Asa ang banyo?' (Where is the bathroom?). 'Asa' is the Bisaya question word for 'where.' The alternative question word 'diin' is used in some Bisaya dialects, particularly in parts of the Eastern Visayas, but 'asa' is standard in Cebuano Bisaya.