Grammarpronoun
Ikaw
ee-KAW
EnglishYou (singular)
Word of the Day · Saturday, June 13, 2026
Ikaw — Bisaya Word of the Day for June 13, 2026
Origin & Etymology
Like "ako/ko," "ikaw" has a short form: "ka." The long form emphasizes or stands alone, while "ka" tucks unobtrusively into the middle of a sentence right after the first word.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Bisaya has no separate formal "you" the way some languages do — respect toward elders is instead carried through honorific titles ("Manong," "Manang," "Lola") added alongside the same "ikaw/ka."
Example Sentences
Finding the person you needed
Ikaw ang akong gipangita.
“You're the one I was looking for.”
Checking in on someone
Kumusta ka karon?
“How are you now?”
Mentioning a recent encounter
Nakita nako ikaw sa merkado ganina.
“I saw you at the market earlier.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What is the short, more commonly used form of "ikaw"?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Ikaw" mean in Bisaya?
"Ikaw" means "You (singular)" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a pronoun in the Grammar category, pronounced as "ee-KAW".
How do you pronounce "Ikaw" in Cebuano?
"Ikaw" is pronounced "ee-KAW". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Ikaw" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Ikaw ang akong gipangita." — "You're the one I was looking for.". Bisaya has no separate formal "you" the way some languages do — respect toward elders is instead carried through honorific titles ("Manong," "Manang," "Lola") added alongside the same "ikaw/ka."
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