Recognized for its mellow and calm tone, Ilonggos are honored of this characteristic, for it mirrors its amusing historical and refined upbringing. The locals of the Metropolitan and Province of Iloilo and most part of Western Visayas speak Hiligaynon.
Here are a few of the basic Hiligaynon words and phrases that a traveler possibly will bargain convenient while discovering Iloilo.
| English |
Hiligaynon |
| Good morning! |
Ma-ayong aga! |
| Good afternoon! |
Ma-ayong hapon! |
| Good evening! |
Ma-ayong gab-i! |
| Please |
Palihug |
| Tomorrow |
Buwas |
| Now |
Subong |
| Excuse me |
Excuse palihug |
| Yes |
Huo |
| No |
Indi |
| How are you? |
Kamusta ka? |
| My name is… |
Ang ngalan ko… |
| How much? |
Tagpila? |
| Do you have…? |
May ara kamo sang…? |
| Sorry |
Patawad |
| What is your name? |
Ano ngalan mo haw? |
| I don’t understand |
Indi ko kaintiyende |
| Do you speak (English)? |
Maka-hambal ka sang (Ingles)? |
| Do you understand (English)? |
Maka-intiyende ka sang (Ingles)? |
| Do you know where (…) is? |
Tultulan mo kung diin ang (…)? |
| It tastes good! |
Namit gid! |
| I like you |
Gusto ta ka |
| You are beautiful |
Ka-gwapa sa imo |
| You are handsome |
Ka-gwapo sa imo |
| I’ll be going to… |
Makadto ako sa… |
| I do have… |
May ari ako sang… |
| I don’t have… |
Wala ako sang… |
| I’ll be back here at Iloilo |
Mabalik ako dire sa IloIlo |
Here in Iloilo, like everywhere else around the world, the universal language is the kindness which everyone has the capability to express.
When it comes to expressing one’s interest to a special someone, Ilonggos also have their own way.
