Bisaya, also known as Cebuano, is an Austronesian language widely spoken in the Philippines. If you’re visiting a Bisaya-speaking region and want to be polite, it’s important to know how to say “excuse me” in various situations. In this guide, you’ll learn both the formal and informal ways to say “excuse me” in Bisaya, along with some tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Excuse Me” in Bisaya:
1. Pasayloa ko: This is a formal way to say “excuse me” in Bisaya. It is commonly used when seeking forgiveness or when you accidentally bump into someone. For example, if you accidentally step on someone’s foot, you can say “Pasayloa ko” (pah-sur-yo-a koh) to apologize.
2. Patawad: This Filipino word, also commonly understood in Bisaya-speaking regions, means “forgiveness” or “pardon.” It can be used formally to say “excuse me” when seeking forgiveness or asking for someone’s attention. For instance, if you need to get past someone in a crowded area, you can say “Patawad” (pah-tah-wad) as a polite request to make way.
Informal Ways to Say “Excuse Me” in Bisaya:
1. Palihug: This is a common word used in informal situations to say “excuse me” or “please” in Bisaya. It can be used to grab someone’s attention or politely ask for a favor. For example, if you want to ask someone for directions, you can say “Palihug” (pah-lee-hoog) followed by your question.
2. Tabi ni tang wa’y mahuman: This phrase, which translates to “excuse me, but I’m not done yet,” is a more casual way to say “excuse me” in Bisaya. It is often used to get someone’s attention when you need to intervene or interrupt their current activity. For instance, if you need to speak to a salesperson attending to another customer, you can say “Tabi ni tang wa’y mahuman” (ta-bee nee tang wah-y mah-hoo-man).
Regional Variations:
Bisaya is spoken in different regions across the Philippines, and thus, there may be slight variations in how “excuse me” is expressed. However, the above-mentioned formal and informal ways are generally understood and accepted throughout most Bisaya-speaking areas.
Additional Tips for Using “Excuse Me” in Bisaya:
- Use “pasayloa ko” or “patawad” when you need to seek forgiveness or apologize formally.
- “Palihug” is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of informal situations to say “excuse me” or “please.”
- If in doubt, opt for a more formal expression of “excuse me” to show respect.
- Remember to accompany your “excuse me” with a polite tone and a smile for better communication.
Example Dialogue:
Person A: Pasayloa ko. Nabanggaan tika. (Pardon me. I bumped into you.)
Person B: Way problema. (No problem.)
Knowing how to say “excuse me” in Bisaya can greatly help you navigate social interactions and show respect for the local culture. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, using the appropriate phrase will leave a positive impression on the people you interact with.
Practice these phrases, pay attention to the context, and don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for guidance. The more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll become with expressing yourself politely in Bisaya!
