Language/Cebuano/Vocabulary/Directions

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Cebuano → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Directions

In this lesson, we are going to embark on an exciting journey through the world of directions in Cebuano. Knowing how to give and ask for directions is not only practical but also essential for navigating the beautiful streets of Cebu and other areas where Cebuano is spoken. Imagine wandering through a vibrant market or exploring a stunning beach, and being able to confidently ask someone for directions to the best spots!

This lesson will equip you with the vocabulary and phrases you need to help you find your way around. We'll cover essential terms like left, right, straight, and near, and show you how to construct sentences for asking and giving directions.

We will explore:

• Key vocabulary related to directions

• Practical examples of how to use these terms in conversation

• Exercises to practice what you’ve learned

So, let’s get started!

Key Vocabulary

To navigate effectively, you need to understand some basic terms. Here’s a list of essential vocabulary related to directions in Cebuano:

Cebuano	Pronunciation	English
wala	/ˈwa.la/	left
tuo	/ˈtu.o/	right
diretso	/diˈɾɛt.ʃo/	straight
duol	/ˈdu.ol/	near
layo	/ˈla.jo/	far
sa ibabaw	/sæ ɪˈbæ.baw/	on top of
sa ilawom	/sæ ɪˈlɑ.wom/	underneath
liko	/liˈko/	turn
kanto	/ˈkan.to/	corner
pamahaw	/paˈma.haw/	breakfast
tiilan	/tiˈi.lan/	street
dalan	/ˈda.lan/	road
simbahan	/simˈbɑ.han/	church
eskwelahan	/ɛs.kuɛˈla.han/	school
merkado	/mɛrˈka.do/	market
tindahan	/tinˈda.han/	store
balay	/baˈlai/	house
ospital	/os.piˈtal/	hospital
paglibang	/pag.liˈbaŋ/	park
plaza	/ˈpla.za/	plaza
kalsada	/kalˈsa.da/	street/road

Phrases for Asking Directions

Knowing the vocabulary is just the beginning! Here are some useful phrases to ask for directions:

Cebuano	Pronunciation	English
Asa ang [place]?	/ˈa.sæ ʔaŋ/ [place]	Where is [place]?
Unsaon pag-adto sa [place]?	/unˈsaw.on paɡˈad.to sa/ [place]	How do I get to [place]?
Palihug, asa ang dalan paingon sa [place]?	/paˈli.hug, ˈa.sæ ʔaŋ ˈda.lan paˈiŋon sa/ [place]	Please, where is the road to [place]?
Naa ba’y [place] dinhi?	/na.a baʔi/ [place] ˈdɪn.hi/	Is there a [place] nearby?
Unsa nga kanto ang paingon sa [place]?	/unˈsæ ŋa ˈkan.to ʔaŋ paˈiŋon sa/ [place]	Which corner leads to [place]?

Phrases for Giving Directions

Once you know how to ask for directions, you also need to know how to give them! Here are some common phrases you can use:

Cebuano	Pronunciation	English
Liko sa wala.	/ˈli.ko sa ˈwa.la/	Turn left.
Liko sa tuo.	/ˈli.ko sa ˈtu.o/	Turn right.
Diretso lang.	/diˈɾɛt.ʃo laŋ/	Go straight.
Duol ra ang [place].	/ˈdu.ol ra ʔaŋ/ [place]	[Place] is near.
Layo ang [place].	/ˈla.jo ʔaŋ/ [place]	[Place] is far.
Sa ibabaw sa simbahan.	/sæ ɪˈbæ.baw sa simˈbɑ.han/	On top of the church.
Sa ilawom sa eskwelahan.	/sæ ɪˈlɑ.wom sa ɛs.kuɛˈla.han/	Underneath the school.
Daan sa kanto.	/ˈda.an sa ˈkan.to/	At the corner.
Ang merkado naa sa tuo.	/ʔaŋ mɛrˈka.do na.a sa ˈtu.o/	The market is on the right.
Pinaagi sa dalan.	/piˈna.a.ɡi sa ˈda.lan/	Via the road.

Practice Scenarios

Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test! Here are some exercises that will help reinforce what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the appropriate Cebuano word from the vocabulary list.

1. ________ (left) ang dalan paingon sa simbahan.

2. ________ (right) ang tindahan sa kanto.

3. ________ (straight) ra ang dalan.

4. ________ (near) ang merkado.

5. ________ (far) ang ospital.

Answers:

1. Wala

2. Tuo

3. Diretso

4. Duol

5. Layo

Exercise 2: Translate the Phrases

Translate the following phrases into Cebuano.

1. Where is the school?

2. How do I get to the market?

3. Is there a park nearby?

4. Please, where is the street?

5. Which corner leads to the hospital?

Answers:

1. Asa ang eskwelahan?

2. Unsaon pag-adto sa merkado?

3. Naa ba’y paglibang dinhi?

4. Palihug, asa ang kalsada?

5. Unsa nga kanto ang paingon sa ospital?

Exercise 3: Match the Directions

Match the Cebuano phrases with their English translations.

1. Liko sa wala.

2. Diretso lang.

3. Duol ra ang balay.

4. Layo ang simbahan.

5. Ang kanto naa sa tuo.

Answers:

1. Turn left.

2. Go straight.

3. The house is near.

4. The church is far.

5. The corner is on the right.

Exercise 4: Role Play

Pair up with a classmate. One of you will ask for directions using the phrases learned, while the other will respond using the phrases for giving directions.

Example:

• Student A: Asa ang merkado?

• Student B: Liko sa tuo, diretso lang, naa sa wala.

Exercise 5: Create a Dialogue

Write a short dialogue using the vocabulary and phrases learned in this lesson. You can use the following scenario:

• A tourist asking a local for directions to a famous restaurant.

Example:

• Tourist: Asa ang sikat nga restaurant?

• Local: Liko sa wala, diretso, ug naa sa kanto.

Exercise 6: Listening Practice

Listen to the teacher read out a series of directions. Write down what you hear in Cebuano using the vocabulary learned.

Exercise 7: Direction Map

Draw a simple map of your neighborhood and label places using Cebuano terms.

Exercise 8: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct Cebuano phrase for each English sentence.

1. Where is the church?

• a) Asa ang eskwelahan?

• b) Asa ang simbahan?

2. Turn right.

• a) Liko sa wala.

• b) Liko sa tuo.

Answers:

1. b

2. b

Exercise 9: Describe Your Route

Describe your route to school or work in Cebuano using the vocabulary learned.

Exercise 10: Create Your Own Directions

Think of your favorite place in your city. Write directions to get there from your house in Cebuano.

Answers will vary based on student’s personal experiences.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've navigated through the essential vocabulary and phrases for giving and asking for directions in Cebuano. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to use these phrases whenever you get the chance. Whether you’re exploring Cebu or just practicing with a friend, the skills you’ve gained in this lesson will help you confidently find your way. Keep learning and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it!

Table of Contents - Cebuano Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Basic Expressions

• Greetings and Goodbyes
• Polite Expressions

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Negating Sentences

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Cardinal Numbers
• Telling Time

  ---

Questions and Responses

• Yes/No Questions
• Wh-Questions

  ---

Common Nouns

• People and Family
• Food and Drinks

  ---

Pronouns

• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Colors and Adjectives

• Colors
• Common Adjectives

  ---

Adjective Agreement

• Adjective Placement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Places and Directions

• Common Places
• Directions

  ---

Everyday Life in Cebu

• Family and Relationships
• Food and Dining

  ---

Days and Months

• Days of the Week
• Months and Seasons

  ---

Festivals and Celebrations

• Sinulog Festival
• Christmas and New Year

Sources

• English to Cebuano: Useful Cebuano Phrases - Mad Monkey Hostels
• Intro to Cebuano using expressions - by chriswayg - Memrise

Other Lessons

• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Days of the Week
• Common Places
• Fruits
• Survival phrases
• Family
• How to say Good Bye?
• Geography
• Polite Expressions

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Next Lesson — Family and Relationships ▶️