Politenessphrase
Walay sapayan
wah-LAI sah-PAH-yahn
EnglishYou're welcome
Word of the Day · Sunday, June 28, 2026
Walay sapayan — Bisaya Word of the Day for June 28, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Walay sapayan" literally breaks down to "there's no [need for] compensation/bother" — a humble deflection of thanks rather than a direct acknowledgment like the English "you're welcome."
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
Many younger Cebuanos now just say the shorter "walay sapayan" or even switch to the English "welcome" casually — the fuller traditional phrase is still common with elders and in more formal settings.
Example Sentences
A standard exchange of thanks and reply
Salamat kaayo! — Walay sapayan.
“Thank you so much! — You're welcome.”
Downplaying a favor
Walay sapayan, mao ra man na akong buhaton.
“You're welcome, that's just what I'm supposed to do.”
Insisting help wasn't a burden
Dili kinahanglan pasalamatan, walay sapayan gyud.
“No need to thank me, really, you're welcome.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What does "walay sapayan" literally break down to mean?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Walay sapayan" mean in Bisaya?
"Walay sapayan" means "You're welcome" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a phrase in the Politeness category, pronounced as "wah-LAI sah-PAH-yahn".
How do you pronounce "Walay sapayan" in Cebuano?
"Walay sapayan" is pronounced "wah-LAI sah-PAH-yahn". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Walay sapayan" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Salamat kaayo! — Walay sapayan." — "Thank you so much! — You're welcome.". Many younger Cebuanos now just say the shorter "walay sapayan" or even switch to the English "welcome" casually — the fuller traditional phrase is still common with elders and in more formal settings.
One word a day keeps forgetting at bay — TalkBisaya