Shoppingphrase
Pila ni?
PEE-lah nee
EnglishHow much is this?
Word of the Day · Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Pila ni? — Bisaya Word of the Day for May 27, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Pila" alone means "how much/how many," and adding "ni" (this) turns it into the single most useful phrase for any market stall, sari-sari store, or tricycle ride.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Asking "pila ni?" often opens the door to "tawad" (haggling) at wet markets — but at fixed-price stores or malls, the same question is just a straightforward price check, no negotiation implied.
Example Sentences
Asking a market vendor for the price
Pila ni, Manang, ang usa ka kilo?
“How much is this per kilo, Ma'am?”
Checking a price before buying
Pila ni? Mahal kaayo ba?
“How much is this? Is it too expensive?”
Shopping for clothes
Pila ni nga sinina, gwapa man?
“How much is this dress, it's pretty?”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
At a wet market, asking "pila ni?" often opens the door to what?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Pila ni?" mean in Bisaya?
"Pila ni?" means "How much is this?" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a phrase in the Shopping category, pronounced as "PEE-lah nee".
How do you pronounce "Pila ni?" in Cebuano?
"Pila ni?" is pronounced "PEE-lah nee". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Pila ni?" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Pila ni, Manang, ang usa ka kilo?" — "How much is this per kilo, Ma'am?". Asking "pila ni?" often opens the door to "tawad" (haggling) at wet markets — but at fixed-price stores or malls, the same question is just a straightforward price check, no negotiation implied.
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