English → Cebuano (Bisaya)

English to Cebuano Translator: Free Bisaya Translation

Translate English to Cebuano — the same language as Bisaya (ISO code: ceb). 445+ verified translations with pronunciation guide, reviewed by a native Cebuano speaker.

Cebuano = Bisaya (same language, different names)

If you searched for “English to Cebuano,” you'll find the same words as “English to Bisaya.” Native speakers call the language Bisaya; linguists call it Cebuano. ISO 639-3 code: ceb.

Open the English to Cebuano Translator

Type any English word to get its Cebuano (Bisaya) translation instantly.

Open Translator

10 Essential English to Cebuano Translations

Hello

Kumusta

koo-MOOS-tah

Thank you

Salamat

sah-LAH-maht

Please

Palihug

pah-LEE-hug

I love you

Gihigugma ko ikaw

gi-hi-GUG-ma koh ee-KAW

Yes

Oo

oh-OH

No

Dili

dee-LEE

Water

Tubig

TOO-big

Delicious

Lami

LAH-mee

How much?

Pila?

PEE-lah

Good morning

Maayong buntag

mah-AH-yong BOON-tag

About the Cebuano Language

Cebuano — spoken as Bisaya by its 22 million native speakers — is the second most widely spoken language in the Philippines. It is the dominant language across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, parts of Leyte and Samar, Davao City, and most of Mindanao.

Cebuano is an Austronesian language and part of the Visayan language family, which also includes Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Waray, Kinaray-a, and Tausug. Cebuano has the largest speaker base of any Visayan language — roughly three times more speakers than the next largest, Hiligaynon.

The language uses a verb-focused grammatical system unique to Philippine languages. English speakers will find the sound system accessible — Cebuano has no tones and uses a five-vowel system (a, e, i, o, u) similar to Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cebuano the same as Bisaya?

Yes — Cebuano and Bisaya are the same language (ISO code: ceb). 'Cebuano' is the formal linguistic name; 'Bisaya' is what native speakers call it in everyday conversation. Both terms appear in dictionaries, language apps, and academic sources. There is no difference in vocabulary or grammar between the two names.

How do you say 'hello' in Cebuano?

'Hello' or 'How are you?' in Cebuano is 'Kumusta' (koo-MOOS-tah), from the Spanish '¿Cómo está?' The typical response is 'Maayo man' (I'm fine). For formal settings, add 'po' to show respect: 'Kumusta po kamo.'

How do you say 'thank you' in Cebuano?

'Thank you' in Cebuano is 'Salamat' (sah-LAH-maht). To say 'thank you very much,' say 'Salamat kaayo' (sah-LAH-maht KAH-yoh). Salamat is the single most important word for any visitor to Cebu or any Bisaya-speaking region.

Where is Cebuano spoken?

Cebuano (Bisaya) is spoken by approximately 22 million native speakers across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, parts of Leyte and Samar, and most of Mindanao — including Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City. It is the second most widely spoken language in the Philippines after Filipino/Tagalog.

What's the difference between Cebuano and Tagalog?

Cebuano and Tagalog are distinct languages — not dialects of each other — though both are Austronesian. Tagalog is the basis of Filipino, the national language, spoken primarily in Metro Manila and Luzon. Cebuano is spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao. They share some vocabulary from Spanish borrowings but are not mutually intelligible.

Related tools

Enjoying TalkBisaya?

If our free Bisaya resources helped you today, consider buying the team a coffee ☕ — it keeps the site alive and growing.