uli
/ˈʔuliʔ/
The English phrase 'go home' is translated into Bisaya as uli.
uli is used as an intransitive verb to express the action of returning or going back to a place, such as one's house.
Meaning: return to one's house (verb)
Which one should you use?
While uli is the base form for returning, adding the prefix pa- to create pauli indicates the specific act or process of heading home.
How does it change in a sentence?
uli functions as an intransitive verb. You can also use the form pauli to indicate the process of going home.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔuliʔ/
Did you know?
- The root uli is used in the phrase uli sa huna-huna, which literally means 'return to the mind' but refers to remembering something.
- In many contexts, uli carries the sense of 'repairing' or 'restoring' something to its original state, much like a 'return' to a former condition.
- The word uli can also mean returning a borrowed item to its owner, not just returning a person to their house.
Examples in context
- Dungan ta og uli!Let's go home together!Tatoeba #8637463 by Birago, translation #8637464 by Birago
- Uli na ta.Let's go home now.
- Uli na ko.I am going home now.
Example conversation
Elena and Juan are finishing a chat at a park.
- ElenaGabii na kaayo, uli na ta.It is very late, let's go home.
- JuanSige, uli na ta, Elena.Okay, let's go home, Elena.
- ElenaMag-amping ka sa imong pagpauli.Take care on your way home.
- JuanSalamat, uli na pud ko.Thanks, I am going home too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
