Phrasephrase
Hinay-hinay lang
hee-NAI hee-NAI lahng
EnglishSlowly please
Word of the Day · Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Hinay-hinay lang — Bisaya Word of the Day for May 26, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Hinay" means slow, and Bisaya loves to double a word for emphasis or a softer tone — "hinay-hinay" reads gentler than a single "hinay," almost like saying "take it easy" instead of a blunt command.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
You'll hear this constantly from tricycle or habal-habal passengers, and just as often from elders telling younger folks to slow down — in eating, in talking, in making big life decisions.
Example Sentences
Asking a driver to slow down
Hinay-hinay lang, Manong, layo pa ang biyahe.
“Slowly please, sir, the trip is still far.”
Telling a child not to eat too fast
Hinay-hinay lang mokaon, dili ka pursigidohon.
“Eat slowly, no one's rushing you.”
Advising someone about an important choice
Hinay-hinay lang mo mag-decide, dako ni nga butang.
“Take your time deciding, this is a big thing.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
Why does Bisaya double a word like "hinay" into "hinay-hinay"?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Hinay-hinay lang" mean in Bisaya?
"Hinay-hinay lang" means "Slowly please" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a phrase in the Phrase category, pronounced as "hee-NAI hee-NAI lahng".
How do you pronounce "Hinay-hinay lang" in Cebuano?
"Hinay-hinay lang" is pronounced "hee-NAI hee-NAI lahng". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Hinay-hinay lang" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Hinay-hinay lang, Manong, layo pa ang biyahe." — "Slowly please, sir, the trip is still far.". You'll hear this constantly from tricycle or habal-habal passengers, and just as often from elders telling younger folks to slow down — in eating, in talking, in making big life decisions.
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