Language/Cebuano/Vocabulary/People-and-Family

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Cebuano → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → People and Family

In learning any language, understanding vocabulary related to people and family is crucial. It allows you to connect with others on a personal level, express relationships, and navigate social interactions. In this lesson, we will explore common nouns in Cebuano that pertain to family and people, such as mother, father, brother, sister, friend, and neighbor. Knowing these terms will not only enhance your vocabulary but also deepen your understanding of Cebuano culture, where family ties and relationships are highly valued.

Throughout this lesson, we will present vocabulary in a structured manner, with pronunciation guides to help you grasp the sounds of Cebuano. We will also include engaging exercises to reinforce your learning. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to confidently use these terms in conversations about your family and friends.

Overview of Family Terms

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the most common family-related vocabulary in Cebuano. Family is a central aspect of Cebuano culture, and understanding these terms will give you a glimpse into the social fabric of the community. Below is a table displaying key family vocabulary.

Cebuano	Pronunciation	English
Inahan	[iˈna.han]	Mother
Amahan	[a.maˈhan]	Father
Igsoon	[iɡˈso.on]	Sibling/Brother/Sister
Kuya	[ˈku.ja]	Older Brother
Ate	[ˈa.te]	Older Sister
Manghod	[maŋˈhod]	Younger Sibling
Lolo	[ˈlo.lo]	Grandfather
Lola	[ˈlo.la]	Grandmother
Anak	[aˈnak]	Child
Pamilya	[paˈmil.ja]	Family
Kaibigan	[ka.ibˈi.ɡan]	Friend
Silingan	[si.liˈŋan]	Neighbor
Tiyo	[ˈti.jo]	Uncle
Tiya	[ˈti.ja]	Aunt
Biyenan	[bi.ˈje.nan]	In-law
Apo	[ˈa.po]	Grandchild
Bati	[ˈba.ti]	Cousin
Ninong	[ˈni.nong]	Godfather
Ninang	[ˈni.nang]	Godmother
Sugbuanon	[sub.ˈbwa.non]	Cebuanos (people from Cebu)
Estudyante	[es.tuˈdjan.te]	Student

Common Vocabulary Usage

Understanding vocabulary is one thing, but knowing how to use it in context is another! Here are some examples of how these terms can be used in sentences.

1. Inahan: Ang akong inahan kay maayong tawo. (My mother is a good person.)

2. Amahan: Ang akong amahan nagtrabaho sa opisina. (My father works in an office.)

3. Igsoon: May igsoon ako na lalaki. (I have a brother.)

4. Kuya: Ang akong kuya magdula sa basketball. (My older brother plays basketball.)

5. Ate: Ang akong ate nagtuon sa kolehiyo. (My older sister studies in college.)

6. Manghod: Ang akong manghod kay gamay pa. (My younger sibling is still small.)

7. Lolo: Ang akong lolo kay mahilig sa gardening. (My grandfather loves gardening.)

8. Lola: Ang akong lola nagluto og mga lami nga pagkaon. (My grandmother cooks delicious food.)

9. Anak: Siya ang akong anak. (He/She is my child.)

10. Pamilya: Ang akong pamilya kay nagdako sa Cebu. (My family grew up in Cebu.)

Exercises and Practice Scenarios

Now that you've learned the vocabulary, it’s time to put it into practice! Below are some exercises to test your understanding.

Exercise 1: Match the Cebuano Terms

Match the Cebuano terms with their English meanings.

Cebuano Terms	English Meanings
Inahan	1. Mother
Amahan	2. Father
Kuya	3. Older Brother
Ate	4. Older Sister
Lolo	5. Grandfather
Lola	6. Grandmother

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Inahan - 1

2. Amahan - 2

3. Kuya - 3

4. Ate - 4

5. Lolo - 5

6. Lola - 6

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct Cebuano family term.

1. Ang __________ (Mother) kay nagluto sa kusina.

2. Ang __________ (Father) nagtrabaho sa umahan.

3. Ang __________ (Brother) kay nagtan-aw sa telebisyon.

4. Ang __________ (Sister) kay nagtuon sa eskwelahan.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Inahan

2. Amahan

3. Igsoon or Kuya

4. Ate

Exercise 3: Create Sentences

Using the vocabulary you’ve learned, create sentences about your family. Here are some prompts to help you:

1. Describe your mother.

2. Talk about your siblings.

3. Mention your grandparents.

Sample Answers for Exercise 3

1. Ang akong inahan kay maayo ug nag-atiman sa pamilya. (My mother is good and takes care of the family.)

2. Ako adunay duha ka igsoon, usa ka kuya ug usa ka manghod. (I have two siblings, an older brother and a younger sibling.)

3. Ang akong lolo ug lola nagapuyo sa laing lugar. (My grandfather and grandmother live in another place.)

Exercise 4: True or False

Determine if the statement is true or false.

1. "Lola" means grandfather. (False)

2. "Kuya" refers to an older brother. (True)

3. "Anak" translates to child. (True)

4. "Silingan" means neighbor. (True)

Answers for Exercise 4

1. False

2. True

3. True

4. True

Exercise 5: Group Discussion

In pairs, discuss your family using the new vocabulary. Focus on the following questions:

1. Who is in your family?

2. What do they like to do?

Exercise 6: Vocabulary Quiz

Choose the correct translation for each term.

1. "Lolo":

a) Uncle

b) Grandfather

c) Father

2. "Tiya":

a) Aunt

b) Mother

c) Sister

Answers for Exercise 6

1. b) Grandfather

2. a) Aunt

Exercise 7: Role Play

Imagine you are at a family gathering. Role-play a conversation introducing your family members to a friend. Use as many vocabulary words as possible.

Exercise 8: Writing Practice

Write a short paragraph about your family using at least five new terms.

Exercise 9: Listening Comprehension

Listen to a native speaker describe their family (you can find resources online). Write down the family terms you recognize.

Exercise 10: Create a Family Tree

Draw a simple family tree and label each member using the Cebuano terms you’ve learned.

Conclusion

In this lesson, you learned essential Cebuano vocabulary related to people and family. You practiced matching terms, filling in blanks, and creating sentences that express familial relationships. Remember, the connections we share with our families are an integral part of our lives, and being able to speak about them in Cebuano helps build deeper relationships in the Cebuano-speaking community. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to share stories about your family with confidence!

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

• Cebuano language - Wikipedia
• Cebuano - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

Other Lessons

• Food and Drinks
• Shapes
• Cardinal Numbers
• How to say Good Bye?
• Geography
• Telling Time
• Common Adjectives
• Feelings and Emotions
• Colors

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