dili
/ˈdiliʔ/
The English word 'no' is translated into Bisaya as dili.
dili is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a noun meaning a negating expression. You can make the negation much stronger by adding the particle gyud to the word, creating dili gyud!, which means 'definitely not!' or 'absolutely not!'
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
In Bisaya, dili is used to negate adjectives, adverbs or future actions. This differs from wala, which is used to negate the existence or possession of something in the past or present.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdiliʔ/
Did you know?
- While dili is the word for 'no', a Bisaya speaker might avoid saying it directly to be polite. Instead, they may use a soft 'maybe' or a hesitant gesture to signal a negative answer without causing offense.
- The word dili is a linguistic cousin to the Tagalog word hindi. Both descend from a much shorter root word from the ancient Proto-Philippine language.
- In the Philippines, the distinction between dili and wala is so sharp that using one instead of the other can completely change the meaning of a sentence from 'I will not' to 'I do not have'.
Examples in context
- Dili oy, dili man tambok si Laurie.No, Laurie isn't fat.This sentence shows how to use dili to negate an adjective.Tatoeba #4701881 by Josefwintzent, translation #1771844 by gone2bacolod
- Dili puyde!No way!This sentence shows an emphatic way to say 'no way!' using dili.Tatoeba #4630452 by Josefwintzent, translation #2175 by CM
- Dili ko makatabang karong higayona.I cannot help you at the moment.
- Pasaylo-a ako, pero indi ko makasugot.Please excuse me, but I cannot agree.
- Pasensya na, wala gyud ko kasugot.I'm sorry, I really can't agree.
- Dili gyud ko interesado ana.I'm really not interested in that.
- Wala gyuy kinahanglan bro, di man gyud ko kasugot ana.There's no need, bro, I really can't agree to that.
- Pasensya na, wala gyud ko makatabang karong higayona.I'm sorry, I really can't help you at the moment.
- Dili ko mokaon.I will not eat.
- Dili ko gusto mokaon karon.I do not want to eat right now.
Example conversation
Elena asks Juan if he is tired.
- ElenaGikapoy na ka, Juan?Are you tired already, Juan?
- JuanDili, okay ra ko.No, I am okay.
- ElenaSigurado gyud ka?Are you really sure?
- JuanOo, dili gyud ko kapoy.Yes, I am really not tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries dili, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dili, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
