Phraseadverb
Dili
DEE-lee
EnglishNo / Not
Word of the Day · Monday, August 3, 2026
Dili — Bisaya Word of the Day for August 3, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Dili" is the general negator in Bisaya, used before verbs and adjectives — it's distinct from "wala" (which negates existence or completed actions), a distinction that trips up many learners.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
A flat, unsoftened "dili" can feel abrupt in Bisaya social contexts — speakers often cushion refusals with extra words ("dili gyud ko makahimo, pasensya") rather than a bare, blunt "no."
Example Sentences
Expressing dislike
Dili ko ganahan ana nga sine.
“I don't like that movie.”
Describing someone's decision
Dili siya moadto sa party.
“He/She is not going to the party.”
Politely declining
Dili na lang, salamat sa alok.
“No thanks, I appreciate the offer.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What's the key difference between "dili" and "wala"?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Dili" mean in Bisaya?
"Dili" means "No / Not" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a adverb in the Phrase category, pronounced as "DEE-lee".
How do you pronounce "Dili" in Cebuano?
"Dili" is pronounced "DEE-lee". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Dili" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Dili ko ganahan ana nga sine." — "I don't like that movie.". A flat, unsoftened "dili" can feel abrupt in Bisaya social contexts — speakers often cushion refusals with extra words ("dili gyud ko makahimo, pasensya") rather than a bare, blunt "no."
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