TalkBisaya — Cebuano language guide Free Cebuano lessons, a 771 + word dictionary, grammar guides, side-by-side Visayan comparisons, and quizzes. Built and reviewed by native Cebuano speakers. 1 Travel Bisaya for Travelers in Cebu: The Ultimate First-Trip Phrasebook Bisaya for Travelers in Cebu: The Ultimate First-Trip Phrasebook 2 Basics How Do You Say 'Hi' in Cebu? Bisaya Greetings for Every Time of Day How Do You Say 'Hi' in Cebu? Bisaya Greetings for Every Time of Day 3 Culture The Visayan Language Family Tree: All 30+ Bisayan Languages, Mapped The Visayan Language Family Tree: All 30+ Bisayan Languages, Mapped 4 Basics How to Say 'Thank You' in Bisaya: Salamat and All the Ways Cebuanos Express Gratitude How to Say 'Thank You' in Bisaya: Salamat and All the Ways Cebuanos Express Gratitude 5 Romance How to Say 'I Love You' in Bisaya: 25 Romantic Cebuano Phrases How to Say 'I Love You' in Bisaya: 25 Romantic Cebuano Phrases 1 Travel Bisaya for Travelers in Cebu: The Ultimate First-Trip Phrasebook Bisaya for Travelers in Cebu: The Ultimate First-Trip Phrasebook 2 Basics How Do You Say 'Hi' in Cebu? Bisaya Greetings for Every Time of Day How Do You Say 'Hi' in Cebu? Bisaya Greetings for Every Time of Day 3 Culture The Visayan Language Family Tree: All 30+ Bisayan Languages, Mapped The Visayan Language Family Tree: All 30+ Bisayan Languages, Mapped 4 Basics How to Say 'Thank You' in Bisaya: Salamat and All the Ways Cebuanos Express Gratitude How to Say 'Thank You' in Bisaya: Salamat and All the Ways Cebuanos Express Gratitude 5 Romance How to Say 'I Love You' in Bisaya: 25 Romantic Cebuano Phrases How to Say 'I Love You' in Bisaya: 25 Romantic Cebuano Phrases Story-Based Learning Learn Bisaya Through Real Cebu Situations Jun Rides the Jeepney “ Lugar lang, Manong. ” 14 commuter phrases · Beginner Ate Liza at Carbon Market “ Hangyo lang ko — palubag gamay? ” 14 bargaining phrases · Beginner Lolo Berto's Sugilanon “ Kaniadto, dugay na kaayo... ”

14 past-tense phrases · Intermediate Inday Calls Her Lola “ Gimingaw ko nimo, Lola. ” 16 family phrases · Beginner Boy at the Sari-Sari Store “ Naa may asin? Tingi lang. ” 14 everyday phrases · Beginner 6 things that make Bisaya fascinating From ancient trade routes to the chieftain who stopped Europe's first world voyage — the Bisaya language carries centuries of history. More native speakers than Tagalog Bisaya has ~22 million native speakers — more than Tagalog's ~14 million — yet Tagalog (as Filipino) is the national language. Bisaya dominates the southern half of the country. A language, not a dialect Bisaya is officially classified as a separate language (ISO 639-3 code: ceb), mutually unintelligible with Tagalog. A monolingual Tagalog speaker cannot understand Bisaya — and vice versa. A Bisaya chieftain killed Magellan On April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu — chieftain of Mactan island — defeated and killed Ferdinand Magellan. He is celebrated as the first Filipino to resist European colonization. Visayans had their own alphabet before Spain Pre-colonial Visayans used Badlit, an Indic-derived script related to (but distinct from) the Tagalog Baybayin. Spanish colonization ended its everyday use within a generation. Salamat traces to Arabic The Bisaya word for thank you — salamat — derives from the Arabic salāmah (peace, safety), arriving via Malay trade routes. It is living evidence of the ancient Indian Ocean network that reached the Visayas long before Spain. Padayon: the Bisaya spirit in one word Padayon means "continue" or "press on." It is the rallying cry of Bisaya speakers — shouted at Sinulog, written on walls, said to friends who are struggling. No single English word captures it fully. Why Learn Bisaya? Unlock authentic experiences in the beautiful Visayas and Mindanao regions 22+ Million Speakers Bisaya is the second most spoken language in the Philippines, used throughout the Visayas and Mindanao. Travel Confidently Visit Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and other beautiful destinations while connecting with locals in their language. Build stronger relationships with Filipino friends, family, or colleagues by speaking their native language. Ready to start your Bisaya journey? Pick up your first phrases, browse the 529-word dictionary, or jump straight into a quiz. The whole library is free to use. Enjoying TalkBisaya? If our free Bisaya resources helped you today, consider buying the team a coffee ☕ — it keeps the site alive and growing.