hulat
/huˈlat/
To wait in Bisaya is to say hulat.
The verb refers to delaying an action until a specific event or time occurs. In a colloquial context, you can say Hulat lang to tell someone to just wait a moment or to be patient.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The root word can change based on its function and timing: – By adding the suffix -a to the root, you get hulata, which is an imperative form used to command someone to wait for a specific object or person. – To describe the timing of the action, use these aspects: – naghuwat indicates the progressive aspect, meaning the waiting is currently happening. – nihulat indicates the completed aspect, meaning the act of waiting has already occurred. – maghuwat is the contemplative aspect, used to indicate an intention or a future action of waiting.
How do you pronounce it?
/huˈlat/
Did you know?
- The phrase hulat lang can function as a social 'buffer' to politely avoid a direct 'no' or to stall for time during a difficult conversation.
- In some Cebuano songs and poetry, hulat is used as a metaphor for longing or faithfulness in a romantic relationship, rather than just a physical delay.
- In colloquial Bisaya, speakers often swap the 'l' in hulat for a 'w' sound, turning it into huwat. This phonetic shift is so common that it often appears in written text to reflect natural speech.
Examples in context
- Palihog og hulat nako.Please wait for me.This sentence shows how to use hulat to ask someone to wait for you.Tatoeba #4633361 by Josefwintzent, translation #4090002 by CK
- Hulata ko tapad anang kahoya.Wait for me next to that tree.This sentence demonstrates using the imperative form hulat to direct someone to wait in a specific location.Tatoeba #8666930 by Birago, translation #1583725 by fanty
- Hulata ko ha, adto lang ko sa merkado.Wait for me, okay? I'll just go to the market.
- Hulat lang ko, dong. Magpalit lang ko og pan.Just wait for me, buddy. I'll just buy some bread.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are meeting at a cafe.
- RicardoMaria, hulat lang kadiyot sa gawas.Maria, just wait a moment outside.
- MariaSige, Ricardo. Maghulat ko sa gawas.Okay, Ricardo. I will wait outside.
- RicardoNaa ra ko diri dapit.I am just near here.
- MariaAyaw pagdugay ha.Don't be long, okay?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wait” translations and entries hulat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
