Want to sound like a local in Iloilo? Beyond the polite greetings and textbook phrases, here’s the authentic, everyday Hiligaynon you’ll hear in markets, jeepneys, and casual conversations around the city.
Conversational Fillers & Connectors
These are the little words that make your Hiligaynon sound natural and flowing:
Basi – Maybe/Perhaps
Used constantly in everyday speech when you’re not quite sure about something.
Daw – It seems/Apparently
Adds a sense of hearsay or observation to your statement.
Gali – Actually/As it turns out
Perfect for when you’re correcting yourself or revealing new information.
Kuno – They say/Supposedly
Used when repeating what others have said.
Quick Reactions & Responses
Hala! – Oh no!/Wow!
A multipurpose exclamation that works for surprise, concern, or amazement.
Sus! – Geez!
Shortened version of Jesus, expressing exasperation or surprise.
Tuod bla? – Really?
Your go-to response when you’re surprised or skeptical.
Ano pa! – Of course!/What else!
Emphatic agreement, like saying “obviously!”
Abi ko… – I thought…
Starting a sentence when your expectations were different.
Di ba? – Right?/Isn’t it?
Added to the end of statements seeking agreement.
Market & Street Talk
Pila ni? – How much is this?
Essential for any shopping situation.
Kadto diri / Kadto di – Come here
Used by vendors or when calling someone over.
Halin diri! / Palayo di! – Go away!
When you need someone to leave.
Tama na – That’s enough
Whether it’s food portions or when you want something to stop.
Dugangi pa – Add more
When you want extra of something.
Barato ba! – This is cheap!
Exclaiming about a good price.
Jeepney & Transportation
Sa lugar lang – Stop here
The correct way to tell the driver to stop.
Palihog bayad / Lihog bayad – Payment please
Politely asking for payment to be passed forward.
Modern Slang & Expressions
Gwapa gid! – So pretty/handsome!
Used for both genders to compliment someone.
Masakit! – That hurts!
Also used like “ouch” for embarrassing situations.
Nami gid – Nice!
Used to express approval for things in general.
Namit gid – Delicious!
Specifically used for food.
Grabe! – Extreme!/Too much!
Expressing that something is intense or excessive.
Casual Daily Responses
Wala ah – Nothing/Never mind
A casual way to say something’s not there or dismiss something.
Indi gid! – No way!/Absolutely not!
Strong disagreement or refusal.
Siguro – Maybe
When you’re uncertain or hedging your answer.
Pwede ba… – If possible
Adding conditionality to your statements.
Master these phrases and you’ll blend right in with the locals. The key is not just knowing the words, but understanding when and how to use them naturally in conversation.
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