bilisan mo
/biliˈsan mo/word by word
In Filipino, "hurry up" is expressed as bilisan mo.
The phrase is used as a verb to command someone to go faster. While bilisan mo is a direct command to hurry up, you can also use the word bilis alone as an interjection to mean "Quick!" or "Hurry!"
Meaning: go faster (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The root word bilis means "speed". By adding the suffix -an, the verb bilisan is formed, which means "to make fast" or "to increase speed".
Which one should you use?
bilisan mo is a direct command to hurry up, whereas the interjection bilis is used to shout "Quick!"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bilisan mo! is an informal way to say "Hurry up!" For a polite form, you can use bilisan niyo, which replaces mo to address an elder or to show respect. If you want to be very formal, use Mangyari po, magmadali po kayo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cebuano/Bisaya, Dalì! is used to express urgency.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to show respect to an elder, replace mo with niyo to form bilisan niyo.
How do you pronounce it?
/biliˈsan mo/
Did you know?
- The root word bilis is used in the common expression bilis naman, which can be used sarcastically to tell someone they are actually being very slow.
- While bilisan mo refers to speed, Filipinos often use the word madali to express urgency. However, madali can also mean 'easy' depending on the context.
- The word bilis is related to the concept of 'fast' in other Austronesian languages, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Examples in context
- Bilisan mo! Nandito na ang tren!Hurry up! The train is here!This sentence shows how to use bilisan mo when a train is arriving.Tatoeba #10170436 by theSardonyx, translation #5749810 by Hybrid
- Bilisan mo, o mahuhuli ka sa tanghalian.Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late for lunch.This sentence uses bilisan mo to warn that someone might be late for lunch.Tatoeba #11578718 by qwertzu, translation #19697 by CK
- Bilisan mo, Tom.Hurry up, Tom.This sentence demonstrates a simple use of bilisan mo when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #4560221 by kanlaon, translation #19731 by CK
- Mangyari po, magmadali po kayo. Malapit na tayong ma-late sa meeting.Please hurry up. We are about to be late for the meeting.
Example conversation
Patricia and Jose are leaving the house for a movie.
- PatriciaBilisan mo, Jose! Male-late na tayo.Hurry up, Jose! We're going to be late.
- JoseSandali lang, hinahanap ko pa ang susi.Just a moment, I'm still looking for the keys.
- PatriciaNasa mesa lang iyon. Bilisan mo na!They are just on the table. Hurry up now!
- JoseOkay, nahanap ko na. Tara na!Okay, I found them. Let's go!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bilisan, mo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
