Hiligaynon, commonly referred to as Ilonggo by its speakers, is an Austronesian language predominantly spoken in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. While the Hiligaynon-speaking community is often described as affectionate, there’s a prevailing belief that many among them aren’t fully fluent in their native tongue. To test your proficiency in Hiligaynon, here are some less familiar, deep, and uncommon Hiligaynon words from the language that may challenge you.
Deep hiligaynon words to learn and add to your vocabulary
1. “Mahinangpanon” = “Intelligent”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang manghud ko na lalaki ay ka mahinangpanon gid nga bata.
English Translation:
My younger brother is a very intelligent child.
2. “Maimon” = “Jealous”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Hambal niya nga nakabatyag siya sang maimon sang nag daog ang kontra niya.
English Translation:
She said that she felt jealous when her opponent won.
3. “Katubtoban” = “Forever”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Higugmaon taka tubtob sa katubtoban.
English Translation:
I will love you until forever.
4. “Halalban” = “Meadow or grassland”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Nagkadto kami sa halalban para mag patawhay.
English Translation:
We went into the grassland to relax.
5. “Paglaum” = “Hope”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Permi niya gid gina paminsar nga biskan ano gid ang matabo, may paglaum man siya gihapon.
English Translation:
He is always thinking that despite of what will happen, he still has a hope.
6. “Ngirit” = “Smile/grin”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang tanan nya nga kuha sa picture ay ga ngirit sya.
English Translation:
All the pictures taken of her are smiling.
7. “Kamingaw” = “Loneliness”
A feeling one feels when he/she misses someone or something, a sort of nostalgia.
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Kamingaw man kung wala gina obra.
English Translation:
It’s lonely if you don’t work.
8. “Kadlaw” = “To laugh”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Bilog nga adlaw puro kinadlaw lang amon obra.
English Translation:
The whole day laughing is just our work.
9. “Mariit” = “An enchanted place which is said to be inhabited by spirits”
The word emanates from the Ilonggos’ folk tradition, even before the Spaniards came. Any area, such as the balete tree, the acacia tree, a boulder, or even a cave, is said to be haunted and inhabited by spirits, or, in Hiligaynon, tamawos.
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Mariit ang mga bungsod na balay sang duwende.
English Translation:
The mound of the elves is an enchanted place.
10. “Kaangtanan” = “Joined or connected; relation”
Kaangtanan basically refers to relationships . It probably connotes the bond between Ilonggo families.
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang akon pamilya sa Ina ay may kaangtanan sa Ina sang akon nga abyan.
English Translation:
My Mother’s family is related to my friend’s Mother.
11. “Kabalaslan” = “Recompense; debt of gratitude”
This Hiligaynon word surely reflects one important Visayan value. Or do we still believe in the concept of “debt of gratitude” or “utang na loob” in Tagalog? Nonetheless, kabalaslan must be included in the list of Hiligaynon words every Filipino must learn and use.
Example (In Hiligaynon):
May kabalaslan kita sa aton nga mga ginikanan nga amo nga nag padako at nagpatuon sa aton.
English Translation:
We owe it to our parents, who raised us and educated us.
12. “Tatap” = “Management, attention; to look after, attend on, take care of, treat with attention”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Tatapa ang mga manok bag-o mag gab-i.
English Translation:
Look after the chickens before nightfall.
13. “Dabadaba” = “Blaze, kindling”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Grabe ang kalayo sa balay kadaba daba gid.
English Translation:
The fire in the house was blazing.
14. “Dalamgohanon” = “Dreams, reverie”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Kagab-i samtang gakatulog ako ga dalamgohanon ako.
English Translation:
Last night while I was sleeping I had a dream.
15. “Gugma” = “Love”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang paghigugma ay yara sa tanan nga tawo.
English Translation:
Love is for everyone.
16. “Amat-amat” = “To do slowly, gradually”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Amat-amat lang paglakat kay basi madusmo ka.
English Translation:
Just walk slowly because you might get hurt.
17. “Kalibutan” = “World”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Wala sang tawo sa kalibutan ang kabalo sang pwede matabo kundi ang Diyos lang.
English Translation:
No one in the world knows what can happen but only God.
18. “Sugilanon” = “Story or tail”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Kanami sang sugilanon nga ginpamatian ko kagina sa radyo.
English Translation:
The story that I heard on the radio a while ago was great.
19. “Tahod” = “Respect”
A feeling of deep admiration to someone.
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Dapat naton tahuron ang aton nga mga ginikanan.
English Translation:
We should respect our parents.
20. “Kahalam-ut” = “funny / laughable”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang akon nga abyan ay kahalam ut gid ya iya hitsura.
English Translation:
My friend’s face is very funny.
21. “Kalingawan” = “Pastime / relaxation / recreation”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang pagpamati sa radyo ang akon ang kalingawan sa hapon pagtapos magpanyaga.
English Translation:
Listening to the radio is my pastime in the afternoon after eating lunch.
22. “Hunghungan” = “Telephone”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Sabta ang gatunog nga hunghungan.
English Translation:
Please answer the ringing telephone.
23. “Handurawan” = Memories / imagination”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang ini nga libro ay dako gid kaayo ang impluwensiya sa handurawan sa mga tawo nga nagbasa sini.
English Translation:
This book has a great influence on the imagination of the people who read it.
24. “Dagyang” = “Play”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang mga bata ay dinagyang dason ang gina obra pag abot halin sa skwelahan.
English Translation:
The children played immediately when they got home from school.
25. “Tinaga” = “Words”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang iya nga mga tinaga ay sakto gid sa mga bata nga mga nagkad-to para magpamati.
English Translation:
His words are right for the children who come to listen.
26. “Pilas” = “Wound”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang iya nga pilas sa kasingkasing ay kinahanglan sa malaba ang tion para mag-ayo.
English Translation:
His heart wound needs a lot of time to heal.
27. “Silotan” = “Punish / penalty”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang mga tawo nga may mga malain nga gina obra sa iban ay dapat gina silotan.
English Translation:
People who have bad deeds done to others should be punished.
28. “Panilag” = “Observe or be on watch”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Ang akon nga mga kasilingan ay wala gina himo kundi magpanilag sa akon nga gina himo.
English Translation:
My neighbors are not working, but they are watching me as I am working.
29. “Tinuga” = “A person”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Hindi pagkalimti nga may isa ka tinuga nga nagpalangga gid sa imo.
English Translation:
Do not forget that there was a person who loves you so much.
30. “Handomanan” = “Remembrance / keepsake”
Example (In Hiligaynon):
Madamo ako sang handomanan sa balay nga ini sa akon nga Ina nga napatay na.
English Translation:
I have many memories in this house of my mother, who has passed away.
These are only few of deep and uncommon Hiligaynon words. There are still a lot of nerve cracking words to remember. Isn’t it easy? I hope you learn something.
Learn more hiligaynon words as you travel to the western Visayas part of the Philippines. Additionally, check out our collection of funny Hiligaynon words, phrases, idioms, and jokes to make your learning experience enjoyable. Dive into the hiligaynon cultures to gain knowledge about their history and the locals. If you’re interested in expanding your vocabulary even further, don’t miss our blog on Hiligaynon bad or curse words for a glimpse into the language’s more expressive side.
So you know Hiligaynon words already; why not try picking up some Chavacano, Ilocano, Bicolano, Cebuano/Bisaya, or Waray words as well? This will greatly facilitate your travels to various parts of the Philippines, making communication easier and enriching your cultural experience across different regions.
Are you still not confident in Tagalog? Don’t worry! Here’s our comprehensive Tagalog guide to help you navigate other parts of Luzon effortlessly. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or serene countryside, this guide will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey.
