Relationshipnoun
Asawa
ah-SAH-wah
EnglishSpouse / Husband / Wife
Word of the Day · Saturday, May 30, 2026
Asawa — Bisaya Word of the Day for May 30, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Asawa" is gender-neutral in Bisaya — the same word covers both husband and wife, with context (and usually the speaker's own gender) making clear which is meant, unlike English's separate terms.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Introducing someone as "akong asawa" (my spouse) publicly is a small but meaningful marker of commitment in Filipino culture, distinct from "uyab" (boyfriend/girlfriend), which implies no formal marriage.
Example Sentences
Introducing your husband or wife
Mao ni ang akong asawa, si Nita.
“This is my spouse, Nita.”
Talking about an OFW spouse
Nagtrabaho ang akong asawa sa Dubai.
“My spouse works in Dubai.”
Announcing an upcoming wedding
Kaslonon na sila sa sunod bulan.
“They will be married next month.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
Does "asawa" specifically mean "husband" or "wife"?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Asawa" mean in Bisaya?
"Asawa" means "Spouse / Husband / Wife" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a noun in the Relationship category, pronounced as "ah-SAH-wah".
How do you pronounce "Asawa" in Cebuano?
"Asawa" is pronounced "ah-SAH-wah". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Asawa" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Mao ni ang akong asawa, si Nita." — "This is my spouse, Nita.". Introducing someone as "akong asawa" (my spouse) publicly is a small but meaningful marker of commitment in Filipino culture, distinct from "uyab" (boyfriend/girlfriend), which implies no formal marriage.
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