Cultureinterjection
Simbako
seem-BAH-koh
EnglishGod forbid
Word of the Day · Thursday, June 4, 2026
Simbako — Bisaya Word of the Day for June 4, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Simbako" is a uniquely Cebuano expression with no clean Tagalog equivalent — Tagalog speakers usually borrow the Bisaya word itself if they want to convey the same superstitious meaning.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Said immediately after mentioning something bad — an accident, illness, death — as a verbal charm against jinxing it into happening; skipping it after naming misfortune can feel careless to older Cebuanos.
Example Sentences
Warning against mentioning bad luck
Simbako, ayaw kana isulti bahin sa aksidente.
“God forbid, don't say that about an accident.”
Expressing hope against misfortune
Simbako unta dili mahitabo na nga sakit sa akong pamilya.
“God forbid that illness happens to my family.”
Reacting to a perceived danger
Naay makuyaw diha, simbako.
“There's something dangerous there, God forbid.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What is "simbako" typically used to prevent, according to Cebuano superstition?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Simbako" mean in Bisaya?
"Simbako" means "God forbid" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a interjection in the Culture category, pronounced as "seem-BAH-koh".
How do you pronounce "Simbako" in Cebuano?
"Simbako" is pronounced "seem-BAH-koh". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Simbako" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Simbako, ayaw kana isulti bahin sa aksidente." — "God forbid, don't say that about an accident.". Said immediately after mentioning something bad — an accident, illness, death — as a verbal charm against jinxing it into happening; skipping it after naming misfortune can feel careless to older Cebuanos.
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