Work & School Vocabulary in Bisaya
Vocabulary and phrases for the workplace, school, and professional life in Cebuano
Overview
Whether you're working in Cebu, studying alongside Bisaya speakers, or visiting schools and offices, this vocabulary will help you navigate professional and academic environments. SCHOOL (Eskwelahan): • Eskwelahan — School • Unibersidad — University • Magtutudlo / Titser — Teacher • Estudyante — Student • Klase — Class • Libro — Book • Papel — Paper • Lapis — Pencil • Bolpen — Ballpen • Bag — Bag (same word) • Bahin / Assignment — Assignment / Homework WORK (Trabaho): • Trabaho — Work / Job • Opisina — Office • Kumpanya — Company • Boss / Amo — Boss / Employer • Empleyado — Employee • Suweldo — Salary • Overtime — Overtime (same word, widely used) • Meeting — Meeting (same word) • Deadline — Deadline (same word) PROFESSIONS: • Doktor — Doctor • Nars — Nurse • Abogado — Lawyer • Magtutudlo — Teacher • Negosyante — Businessman/Businesswoman • Driver — Driver • Pulis — Police officer • Sundalo — Soldier USEFUL WORK PHRASES: • Nagtrabaho ko sa Cebu City. — I work in Cebu City. • Pila ang imong suweldo? — How much is your salary? • Naa koy meeting. — I have a meeting. • Late ko karon. — I'm late today.
Examples
Estudyante pa ko.
I'm still a student.
💡 Pa = still (indicates ongoing status)
Nagtrabaho ko sa ospital isip nars.
I work at the hospital as a nurse.
💡 Isip = as / in the role of
Aduna akoy assignment ugma.
I have an assignment tomorrow.
💡 Aduna akoy = I have (existential possession)
Pila ka tuig na ka nagtrabaho didto?
How many years have you been working there?
💡 Pila ka tuig = how many years
Libre ba ang overtime dinhi?
Is overtime paid here?
💡 Libre = free / paid (context-dependent); practical workplace question
Ang akong boss maayo kaayo.
My boss is very good/kind.
💡 Maayo = good/kind, kaayo = very
Walay klase ugma, holiday.
No class tomorrow, it's a holiday.
💡 Walay = there is no / there isn't
💡 Tips to Remember
- •Many English work/school words are used directly in Bisaya: meeting, deadline, overtime, project.
- •Trabaho is both a noun (job) and verb root (to work): Nagtrabaho = is working, Motrabaho = will work.
- •Amo can mean boss, employer, or master — it's the closest word to 'employer' in informal Bisaya.
- •Pila ang imong suweldo? is a common and acceptable question in Filipino workplace culture — less taboo than in Western settings.
- •Late (the English word) is used universally in Bisaya workplaces and schools.