Healthnoun
Kinabuhi
ki-na-BU-hi
Englishlife / livelihood / existence
Word of the Day · Friday, August 21, 2026
Kinabuhi — Bisaya Word of the Day for August 21, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Kinabuhi" shares its root with "buhi" (alive) — it covers both "life" in the philosophical, existential sense and "livelihood," the practical means of earning a living.
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
"Kinabuhi sa gawas" (life abroad) is a phrase loaded with meaning in the Philippines — it evokes the entire OFW experience of sacrifice, distance from family, and hoped-for financial improvement.
Example Sentences
Commenting on urban living conditions
Lisod ang kinabuhi sa syudad karon.
“Life in the city is hard nowadays.”
Describing a community's occupation
Pagpangisda ang kinabuhi sa mga taga-baybay.
“Fishing is the livelihood of the coastal people.”
Expressing gratitude for life
Gipasalamatan niya ang iyang kinabuhi kada adlaw.
“He/She gives thanks for his/her life every day.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What deeper set of experiences does the phrase "kinabuhi sa gawas" (life abroad) usually evoke in the Philippines?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Kinabuhi" mean in Bisaya?
"Kinabuhi" means "life / livelihood / existence" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a noun in the Health category, pronounced as "ki-na-BU-hi".
How do you pronounce "Kinabuhi" in Cebuano?
"Kinabuhi" is pronounced "ki-na-BU-hi". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Kinabuhi" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Lisod ang kinabuhi sa syudad karon." — "Life in the city is hard nowadays.". "Kinabuhi sa gawas" (life abroad) is a phrase loaded with meaning in the Philippines — it evokes the entire OFW experience of sacrifice, distance from family, and hoped-for financial improvement.
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