One of the Philippines’ Most Famous Cities Has a Cultural Detail Many Visitors Overlook
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Bacolod is the capital and largest city of Negros Occidental, a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.
It is also known as the City of Smiles because of its friendly people, festive atmosphere, and its MassKara Festival. But what language do they speak in Bacolod?
The Language Resonates in the City of Smiles
The primary spoken language in Bacolod is Hiligaynon, also called Ilonggo. It is a major Visayan language that is widely used in Western Visayas and some parts of Central Visayas.
It is closely related to Cebuano, another Visayan language that is spoken in Negros Oriental, the neighboring province of Negros Occidental.
Hiligaynon is a beautiful and expressive language that has many words and phrases that reflect the culture and history of the people who speak it.
For example, the word “namit” means delicious, and it is often used to describe the famous chicken inasal of Bacolod.
A Bacolod delicacy is a grilled chicken dish marinated in vinegar, calamansi, garlic, and other spices.
Another word is “daw”, which means like or as if, and it is used to soften statements or express uncertainty. For example, “Maayo ka daw” means “You seem to be fine”.
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Hiligaynon Words
If you are planning to visit Bacolod, it would be helpful to learn some basic Hiligaynon words and phrases to communicate with the locals and appreciate their culture.
You can start with these common expressions:
Maayong adlaw! – Good day!
Kamusta ka? – How are you?
Palihog – Please
Diin ang …? – Where is …?
Pila? – How much?
Ano ini? – What is this?
Nami gid! – Very nice!
You can also use online resources to learn more Hiligaynon words and phrases, such as this article or this course.
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You can also watch Hiligaynon shows, such as this YouTube channel, to hear how the language sounds and learn from the context.
Hiligaynon is not the only language spoken in Bacolod, though. Many people can also speak Cebuano, Tagalog or Filipino, and English, especially in urban areas and among the younger generation.
You can also hear some Spanish and Chinese influences in some words and names, as a result of the historical interactions with these cultures.
As a native Filipino who speaks Bisaya or Cebuano and who has visited Bacolod in the past, I understand some of the words they say whenever I converse with them.
Some are still vague but because of how they express the words when delivering it, this helps me to understand the meaning of those words.
Conclusion: What Language Do They Speak in Bacolod?
Bacolod is a diverse and vibrant city that offers a lot of attractions and experiences for visitors. By learning some of its languages, you can enrich your travel and connect with its people.
So, why not give it a try and learn some Hiligaynon today? You might be surprised by how much you can learn and enjoy.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
- 17 Tourist Spots in Bacolod City and Beyond to Visit
- MassKara Festival in Bacolod: A Guide To The Philippines’ Most Vibrant Celebration
- 10 Must-Try Bacolod Delicacies That Will Leave You Craving for More!
- What Is Bacolod Best Known For?
About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
