The people of the City and Province of Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas speak Hiligaynon, one of the predominant languages in the Philippines. Known for its melodious and gentle tone, Ilonggos (people of Iloilo) are proud of this heritage, for it reflects its rich past and genteel background.

Although Filipino (Tagalog) is understood by most of Ilonggos, wouldn’t it be great to know a few basic Hiligaynon words when traveling right at the Heart of the Philippines? Here are some of the basic Hiligaynon phrases and words that you may find useful when exploring Iloilo during the Dinagyang Festival:

Basic Traveler Hiligaynon Phrases and Words
English
Hiligaynon
Yes/no
Huo / Indi
Please/Thanks
Palihug / Salamat (gid)
Excuse me
Paagi lang / excuse palihug
Where’s the toilet/restroom?
Sa diin ang CR?
Left/Right
Wala/To-o
Downstairs/Upstairs
Sa idalum/sa ibabaw
Hello/Good day!
Musta/Ma-ayong adlaw!
Goodbye!
Bye/Malakat na kami!
Good morning!
Ma-ayong aga!
Good afternoon!
Ma-ayong hapon!
Good evening!
Ma-ayong gab-i!
My name is…
Ang ngalan ko…
Do you have…?
May ara kamo sang…?
A room
Kwarto
A rental car
Kotse nga pwede arkilahon
A bank
Bangko
The police
Pulis
The bus station
Terminal sang bus
The hospital
Ospital
The airport
Hulugpaan/Airport
How much?
Tag-pila?
Do you speak English?
Maka-hambal ka sang Ingles?
Sorry
Patawad
I don’t understand
Indi ko kaintiyende
Please speak slowly
Palihug hinaya ang pag-hambal
What?
Ano?
What is your name?
Ano ngalan mo haw?
When?
San-o?
Where?
Di-in?
There
Dira
Here
Diri
We are going to…
Pakadto kami sa…