Emergencyverb
Nawala
nah-WAH-lah
EnglishLost
Word of the Day · Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Nawala — Bisaya Word of the Day for July 21, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Nawala" combines the root "wala" (none/gone) with a completed-action affix — describing something that has become lost or missing, whether an object, a person, or even a feeling.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
In crowded public markets and fiestas, a lost child announcement ("naay nawala nga bata") triggers immediate, visible community mobilization — strangers stop what they're doing to help search, reflecting the same bayanihan spirit seen in emergencies.
Example Sentences
Describing a lost item
Nawala ang akong susi sa balay.
“I lost my house key.”
Alerting others to a missing child
Naay nawala nga bata sa fiesta!
“There's a lost child at the fiesta!”
Describing loss of appetite figuratively
Nawala ang iyang gana mokaon human sa balita.
“He/She lost their appetite after the news.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What community response is common when a child goes missing at a Cebuano fiesta?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Nawala" mean in Bisaya?
"Nawala" means "Lost" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a verb in the Emergency category, pronounced as "nah-WAH-lah".
How do you pronounce "Nawala" in Cebuano?
"Nawala" is pronounced "nah-WAH-lah". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Nawala" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Nawala ang akong susi sa balay." — "I lost my house key.". In crowded public markets and fiestas, a lost child announcement ("naay nawala nga bata") triggers immediate, visible community mobilization — strangers stop what they're doing to help search, reflecting the same bayanihan spirit seen in emergencies.
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