Bisdak Words

Common Ilocano words and phrases for daily communication

Ilocano is one of the major languages in the Philippines and widely used in northern part of the northern Philippines including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, as well as some parts of Central Luzon.

Here are the common Ilocano words we can use daily

1. “Kablaaw!” = “Hello!”

2. “Kumusta ka?” = “How are you?”

3. “Naragsak nga isasangbay!” = “Welcome!”

4. “Naimbag nga aldaw!” = “Good day!”

Naimbag nga bigat – Good morning
Naimbag nga malem – Good afternoon
Naimbag nga rabi-i – Good evening

5. “Mayat met.” = “I’m fine.”

6. “Anya ti nagan mo?” = “What’s your name?”

7. “Taga ano ka?” = “Where are you from?”

8. “Taga ak ___” = “I’m from ___”

9. “Ammom ag ___?” = “Do you speak ___ ?”

10. “Basit lang.” = “Just a little.”

11. “Haan ko ammo ag ___” = “I don’t speak ___ ”

12. “Diak maawatan.” / “Haan ko nga maawatan.” = “I don’t understand.”

13. “Diak ammo!” / “Madik ammo!” = “I don’t know!”

14. “Agyamanak!” = “Thank you!”

15. “Awan anyaman!” = “You’re welcome!”

16. “Agannad ka!” / “Agaluad ka!” = “Take care!”

17. “Pakawanen nak.” / “Dispensaren nak.“ = “I’m sorry.”

18. “Agpakadaakon!“ = “Goodbye!”

19. “Agkita tan to!“ = “See you soon!”

20. “Mailiwak kenka!“ = “I miss you!”

21. “Papanam?” = “Where are you going?”

22. “Kasatno iti apan idiay ?” = “How do I go to ?”

23. “Apan idiay daytoy?” = “Is this going to ?”

24. “Mano ti plete inggana idiay ?” = “How much is the fare to ?”

25. “Para!” = “Stop!” / “I’ll get off!”

26. “Agawid akon.” = “I’m going home.”

27. “Agsubli ak.” = “I’ll be back.”

28. “Napukawak!” = “I’m lost!”

29. “Tulong!” = “Help!”

30. “Apo?” = “Is anybody there?”

31. “Paggatangak ti?” = “Can I buy?”

32. “Manu?” / “Sagmamano?” = “How much?”

33. “Mangan tayon!” = “Let’s eat!”

34. “Ayana kayat mo panganan?” = “Where do you want to eat?”

35. “Nabusugakon!” = “I’m full!”

36. “Mabisinakon!” = “I’m hungry!”

37. “Naimas!” = “Delicious!”

More Ilocano phrases from Chill and Travel.

We have also prepared some phrases for our community to translate into 6 other major languages in the Philippines. Help to contribute.