Language/Cebuano/Vocabulary/Directions
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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!
Videos
Let's Learn Cebuano Visayan - Cardinal Directions - YouTube
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
| ◀️ Common Places — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Family and Relationships ▶️ |