Hiligaynon is a language spoken in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, particularly in the province of Iloilo. As a language that is rich in culture and history, it is a beautiful way to connect with your roots and your community if you’re a millennial living in Iloilo or planning to visit. Learning Hiligaynon terms and phrases can be a fun and practical way to engage with locals, show appreciation for their culture, and deepen your understanding of the region. In this article, we’ll share some interesting and relatable Hiligaynon terms and phrases to help you get started.Â
1. Maayo gid nga aga!
This phrase is a polite way to greet someone in the morning. “Maayo gid” means “very good” or “great”, and “aga” means “morning”. So, “Maayo gid nga aga!” translates to “Very good morning!” or “Great morning!” It’s a friendly and respectful way to start the day.
2. Palangga ko ikaw.
This phrase is a common way to express love or affection in Hiligaynon. “Palangga” means “love”, and “ko” means “my”. “Ikaw” means “you”. So, “Palangga ko ikaw” translates to “I love you”. It’s a sweet and romantic way to express your feelings to someone special.
3. Namit gid!
This phrase is used to describe something that is delicious or tasty. “Namit” means “delicious” or “tasty”, and “gid” is a particle that adds emphasis. So, “Namit gid!” translates to “It’s delicious!” It’s a great phrase to use when you’re enjoying your favorite Ilonggo dishes.
4. Kapoy gid.
This phrase is used to express tiredness or exhaustion. “Kapoy” means “tired”, and “gid” is a particle that adds emphasis. So, “Kapoy gid” translates to “I’m very tired” or “I’m exhausted”. It’s a common phrase used after a long day at work or school.
5. Kaon ta!
This phrase is used to invite someone to eat with you. “Kaon” means “eat”, and “ta” is a particle that means “us”. So, “Kaon ta!” translates to “Let’s eat!” It’s a friendly and hospitable way to invite someone to share a meal with you.
6. Halong gid!
This phrase is used to express concern or to remind someone to be careful. “Halong” means “take care” or “be careful,” and “gid” is a particle that adds emphasis. So, “Halong gid!” translates to “Take care!” or “Be careful!” It’s a common phrase used in many situations, such as when someone is leaving for a trip, crossing the street, or engaging in an activity that requires caution.
7. Ayos gid!
This phrase is used to express approval or admiration. “Ayos” means “cool”, “nice”, or “awesome”, and “gid” is a particle that adds emphasis. So, “Ayos gid!” translates to “It’s cool!” or “It’s awesome!” It’s a great phrase to use when you see something that you like or admire.
8. Pahuway ta anay.
This phrase is used to suggest taking a break or resting. “Pahuway” means “rest”, and “ta anay” is a phrase that translates to “let’s first” or “let’s take a moment.” So, “Pahuway ta anay” translates to “Let’s take a rest first” or “Let’s take a break for a moment.” It’s a great phrase to use when you need to recharge or relax, or when you’re encouraging someone else to do the same.
9. Indi ko ya kaya.
This phrase is used to express that you can’t handle something anymore. “Indi” means “not”, “ko” means “I”, “ya” means “anymore”, and “kaya” means “able to handle”. So, “Indi ko ya kaya” translates to “I can’t handle it anymore”. It’s a great phrase to use when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
10. Daku gid ang akon pagpasalamat.
This phrase is used to express gratitude or appreciation. “Daku gid” means “very big”, “akon” means “my”, “pagpasalamat” means “gratitude”. So, “Daku gid ang akon pagpasalamat” translates to “My gratitude is very big” or “I’m very grateful”. It’s a great phrase to use when you want to express your appreciation in a sincere and heartfelt way.
11. Sakit sa ulo.
This phrase is used to describe something that is annoying or frustrating. “Sakit” means “painful”, and “ulo” means “head”. So, “Sakit sa ulo” translates to “pain in the head”. It’s a common phrase used to express irritation or annoyance with someone or something.
12. Ay naku!
This phrase is used to express surprise or exasperation. “Ay” is an interjection used to express surprise or shock, and “naku” is a particle that adds emphasis. So, “Ay naku!” is similar to saying “Oh my goodness!” or “Oh no!” It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of situations.
13. Indi ko kabalo.
This phrase is used to express that you don’t know something. “Indi” means “not”, “ko” means “I”, and “kabalo” means “know”. So, “Indi ko kabalo” translates to “I don’t know”. It’s a common phrase used when someone asks you a question that you don’t have the answer to.
14. Sige lang.
This phrase is used to encourage someone to keep going or continue with what they’re doing. “Sige” means “go ahead” or “continue”, and “lang” is a particle that means “just”. So, “Sige lang” translates to “Just keep going” or “Just continue”. It’s a positive and supportive phrase that can help motivate someone to persevere.
15. Abyan na ta.
This phrase is used to suggest hanging out or spending time together. “Abyan” means “friend”, and “ta” is a particle that means “us”. “Na” is a particle that means “now”. So, “Abyan ta na” translates to “Let’s be friends now” or “Let’s hang out now”. It’s a friendly and welcoming phrase that can help build new friendships.
Learning Hiligaynon terms and phrases can be a fun and rewarding experience for millennials in Iloilo. It can help you connect with your community and appreciate the richness of Ilonggo culture. Try using these phrases in your daily conversations, and see how it can make a difference in your relationships and interactions with others.
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