Bisaya Grammar · Lesson 28 of 30
Work & School Vocabulary in Bisaya
Vocabulary and phrases for the workplace, school, and professional life in Cebuano
Overview
Examples & Usage
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
Key Tips
- 1Many English work/school words are used directly in Bisaya: meeting, deadline, overtime, project.
- 2Trabaho is both a noun (job) and verb root (to work): Nagtrabaho = is working, Motrabaho = will work.
- 3Amo can mean boss, employer, or master — it's the closest word to 'employer' in informal Bisaya.
- 4Pila ang imong suweldo? is a common and acceptable question in Filipino workplace culture — less taboo than in Western settings.
- 5Late (the English word) is used universally in Bisaya workplaces and schools.
Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge
5 questions · select the best answer for each
1.How do you say 'I work in Cebu City' in Bisaya?
2.'Naa koy meeting.' What does 'naa koy' mean?
3.What is the Bisaya word for 'salary'?
4.'Wala ko kasabot.' What does this mean?
5.In Bisaya workplaces, 'Late ko' means…
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I introduce myself professionally in Bisaya?
'Ako si [name], nagtrabaho ko sa [company/place]' (I am [name], I work at [company]). 'Ang akong trabaho mao ang [position]' (My job is [position]). For students: 'Estudyante ko sa [school]' (I am a student at [school]). In work introductions, Bisaya speakers often mix English and Bisaya naturally: 'Ako si Maria, I'm a nurse sa Chong Hua.' This code-switching is completely normal and professional in Cebuano workplaces.
How do I say 'I am running late' in Bisaya?
'Late ko' (I'm late — using the English word) is the most common way to express lateness in Bisaya workplace and school settings. More formal: 'Madugay ko' (I will be long/delayed) or 'Maabot ko unya' (I'll arrive later). For apologizing: 'Pasensya na, late ko' (Sorry, I'm late). In text messages, 'Late ko, 5 mins' is universally understood in Cebuano workplaces.
What vocabulary do I need for a job interview in Bisaya?
Key interview vocabulary: 'Trabaho' (job/work), 'Kasinatian' (experience), 'Katakus' (skill/ability), 'Sweldo/Suweldo' (salary), 'Opisina' (office), 'Kumpanya' (company), 'Posisyon' (position). Formal phrases: 'Gusto ko mag-apply sa inyong kumpanya' (I want to apply at your company). 'Ang akong kasinatian mao ang...' (My experience is...). Most Philippine job interviews include Bisaya code-switching even when predominantly conducted in English.
How do I tell my teacher I don't understand something in Bisaya?
'Wala ko kasabot' (I don't understand), 'Dili ko kasabot' (I can't understand). For asking clarification: 'Mahimo ba nimong usbon pag-explain?' (Can you explain it again?). 'Unsa ang buot ipasabot sa...?' (What is the meaning of...?). 'Basin ba ako?' (Am I wrong?). Filipino classroom culture appreciates students who ask questions — 'walay buang nga pangutana' (there's no stupid question) is a common teacher's encouragement.
What Bisaya words are borrowed directly from English in schools and offices?
Many English words are used unchanged in Bisaya academic and professional settings: meeting, deadline, overtime, project, report, submit, absent, late, exam, quiz, grade, pass, fail, assignment, presentation, email, schedule. These English borrowings are not considered mixing — they're fully integrated into everyday Cebuano professional/academic speech. When in a Bisaya office or classroom, you'll hear both native Bisaya words and these English borrowings freely mixed.
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