Learn HiligaynonWith Wika

Hiligaynon, or Ilonggo, in short everyday lessons, so you can finally answer back in the language you grew up hearing.

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UNIT 1

The Foundation

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

Pamilya
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✨
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TAGALOGCEBUANOILOCANOHILIGAYNONASI

Meet Hiligaynon

The language of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental, and of Ilonggo families everywhere.

Also called

  • Ilonggo

Whatever your family calls it, it's the same language and the same course.

Where Hiligaynon is spoken

  • Iloilo and Guimaras
  • Negros Occidental
  • Capiz
  • Parts of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat

Connect with Hiligaynon

From family traditions to everyday phrases, here is what makes this language worth keeping, and worth passing on.

10:32••••

Welcome to Iloilo

Western Visayas, Region VI, Philippines

Molo Church in Iloilo City, Western Visayas

Welcome to Iloilo

Western Visayas, Region VI, Philippines

Where Hiligaynon is Spoken

Hiligaynon, which most speakers call Ilonggo, is spoken across Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and Capiz in Western Visayas, and in Ilonggo communities in Mindanao such as South Cotabato.
Start Speaking It Now
9:41••••

Feed

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298,114 views

Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City

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Tribe performers in full costume at the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
298,114 views

Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City

View 741 comments

The Culture and Traditions

Ilonggos are known for a gentle, affectionate way of speaking, for festivals like Dinagyang, and for food worth going home for. The language is a big part of that warmth.
10:32••••
DDialecto
🌐
Tagalog

Umuulan na! Bawal ang tricycle dito sa highway. Ano ang sasakyan mo?

Hiligaynon

Masakay lang ako sa bus agud indi ako mabasa.

💬
🌐
Tagalog

Umuulan na! Bawal ang tricycle dito sa highway. Ano ang sasakyan mo?

Hiligaynon

Masakay lang ako sa bus agud indi ako mabasa.

💬

Why is Hiligaynon Unique?

Hiligaynon is famously soft and melodic, so even a plain question can sound kind. Learning it lets you speak to family in the tone they use with you.
Start Your First Lesson Now

Why Learn to Speak Hiligaynon?

Hiligaynon opens doors, sparks conversations, and connects you to a whole way of life.

10:32••••
🔥 45⚡ 2,500♥ 5
REVIEWER

UNIT 1

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

🏁 LAYUNIN

Discover the language of Western Visayas — one of the most poetic and melodic Philippine languages, spoken by some of the warmest people in the country.

Mga Pulong nga Hiligaynon

👋Kamusta ka?How are you?
🌅Maayong agaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponGood afternoon
🌙Maayong gab-iGood evening
🙏SalamatThank you
FAMILYWords that land at home
👋Kamusta ka?ka-MUS-ta kaHow are you?
🌅Maayong agama-AY-ong A-gaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponma-AY-ong HA-ponGood afternoon

👵"Abaw!" and Ilonggo Expressiveness

For Family

Hiligaynon is the softest way to say you care. Learning it means the word palangga finally means something when you say it back to the people who raised you.
Start Speaking It Now
10:32••••

Tulay

EnglishHiligaynon

English

How are you?

Hiligaynon

Kamusta ka?

ka-MUS-ta ka

TRANSLATOREnglish → Hiligaynon

You say

Hiligaynon

Kamusta ka?

ka-MUS-ta ka

Tap to hear how a local would say it

For Going Home

Hiligaynon turns a visit to Iloilo, Guimaras, or Negros into more than nodding along. Order the batchoy properly and hear the market soften when you try.
10:32••••
🔥 45⚡ 2,500♥ 5
REVIEWER

UNIT 1

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

🏁 LAYUNIN

Discover the language of Western Visayas — one of the most poetic and melodic Philippine languages, spoken by some of the warmest people in the country.

Mga Pulong nga Hiligaynon

👋Kamusta ka?How are you?
🌅Maayong agaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponGood afternoon
🌙Maayong gab-iGood evening
🙏SalamatThank you
REVIEWERUNIT 1 · Basic Hiligaynon Phrases
👋Kamusta ka?ka-MUS-ta kaHow are you?
🌅Maayong agama-AY-ong A-gaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponma-AY-ong HA-ponGood afternoon
🌙Maayong gab-ima-AY-ong GAB-iGood evening

🎌Dinagyang and Paghigugmaanay

Every January Iloilo explodes in color during Dinagyang. But the cultural core is "paghigugmaanay" — mutual love and care. In Ilonggo communities, neighbors show up before you even ask.

For Culture

Hiligaynon holds one of the country's oldest oral traditions alongside its sweetest everyday talk. Once you understand it, even an argument sounds like a song.
Start Your First Lesson Now
10:32••••
💬 PRACTICE

Gamitin ang iyong natutunang wika!

May nakilala ka nga bisita sa Iloilo.

🧑‍💼 Bisita

Excuse me, how are you?

Sabta sa Hiligaynon...

SCENARIOMay nakilala ka nga bisita sa Iloilo.
🧑‍💼 BisitaExcuse me, how are you?
YouMaayo man ako, salamat! Kamusta ka?
WikaThe "-a" softener turns a command into a request. Say it gently — that is the whole point.

For Work

Hiligaynon opens doors across Western Visayas' sugar, food, and service industries. Speaking a little of it earns trust faster than any pitch deck.

How To Learn Hiligaynon

If you're starting from zero, Wika gets you going with the fundamentals first.

10:32••••
🔥 45⚡ 2,500♥ 5
REVIEWER

UNIT 1

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

🏁 LAYUNIN

Discover the language of Western Visayas — one of the most poetic and melodic Philippine languages, spoken by some of the warmest people in the country.

Mga Pulong nga Hiligaynon

👋Kamusta ka?How are you?
🌅Maayong agaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponGood afternoon
🌙Maayong gab-iGood evening
🙏SalamatThank you
REVIEWERUNIT 1 · Greetings
👋Kamusta ka?ka-MUS-ta kaHow are you?
🌅Maayong agama-AY-ong A-gaGood morning
☀️Maayong haponma-AY-ong HA-ponGood afternoon
🌙Maayong gab-ima-AY-ong GAB-iGood evening
🙏Salamatsa-LA-matThank you

Greetings and Polite Words

Start with the basics you'll use in every single conversation, like hello, thank you, and the polite words locals notice right away.
Start Speaking It Now
10:32••••
💬 PRACTICE

Gamitin ang iyong natutunang wika!

May nakilala ka nga bisita sa Iloilo.

🧑‍💼 Bisita

Excuse me, how are you?

Sabta sa Hiligaynon...

PRACTICESay it in your own words
Excuse me, how are you?

Sabta sa Hiligaynon...

SUBMIT

💡 Halimbawang Sagot

Maayo man ako, salamat! Kamusta ka?

Introducing Yourself

Learn to share your name, where you're from, and a little about yourself, so you can hold your own the moment someone asks.
10:32••••
♥ 5

Ano ang buot silingon sang "Good morning?"

Pilia ang husto nga sabat!

AMaayong gab-i
BMaayong aga
CMaayong hapon
DMaayong adlaw
♥ 5

Ano ang buot silingon sang "Good morning?"

AMaayong gab-i
BMaayong aga
CMaayong hapon
DMaayong adlaw
Abaw! You're doing amazing!

Everyday Words You'll Use

Pick up the common words that show up everywhere — at home, at the market, and in daily conversation, so things start to click faster.
Start Your First Lesson Now
DDialectoHiligaynon
Kamusta! Handa ka na bala mag-praktis?Huo! Give me a soft one.Try "Maayong aga" — let the AY float, do not clip it.Maayong aga!Abaw, ka-nami! 🎉
Type or tap the mic…
DIALECTOAsk, answer, repeat
Kamusta! Handa ka na bala mag-praktis?Huo! Give me a soft one.Try "Maayong aga" — let the AY float, do not clip it.Maayong aga!Abaw, ka-nami! 🎉

Basic Questions and Answers

Put it all together by learning to ask and answer simple questions in Hiligaynon — the kind that turn a one-word exchange into an actual conversation.
10:32••••

UNIT 1

The Foundation

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

LAKBAYUNIT 1 · The Foundation

UNIT 1

Basic Hiligaynon Phrases

⭐🎙🍚

Your Hiligaynon Learning Path

Wika builds one short lesson at a time — kumusta, reviewer, practice, scenario, recap — so Hiligaynon stops being a subject and starts being something you can actually use.
See Your First Unit

What you'll learn in Hiligaynon

Short lessons, one step at a time: kumusta, reviewer, practice, scenario, recap.

  1. 01

    Greetings and polite words

    Hello, thank you, and the respectful words elders notice first.

  2. 02

    Introducing yourself

    Your name, where your family is from, and a little about you, in Hiligaynon.

  3. 03

    Everyday words

    The words that come up at home, at the market, and at the family table.

  4. 04

    Questions and answers

    Simple questions and replies that turn a one-word exchange into a conversation.

  5. 05

    Family and respect

    How to talk to lolas, titos, and cousins in Hiligaynon, with the right level of respect.

  6. 06

    Real conversations

    Practise everyday situations with Dialecto, Wika's conversation partner, on the paid plans.

Learn Hiligaynon as an Experience

Designed for Heritage learners, families, and anyone reconnecting with Hiligaynon.

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Dialecto conversational AI mascot

Talk to Dialecto, Your Conversational Companion

Meet Dialecto , your ultimate judgment-free practice buddy that helps you speak through everyday real-world situations and master local expressions.

Try Dialecto now
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Language selection screenshot

Personalized Dynamic Learning Loop

Say goodbye to generic lessons. Wika builds a path tailored completely to you, matching your personal goals whether you're talking to family or visiting the province.

01
Stage 1: Common Greetings & Salutations
02
Stage 2: Family & Respect for Elders
03
Stage 3: Street Food & Markets
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Community screenshot

Gamified Level Progression

Climb the ranks from beginner to fluent. Earn XP, unlock digital achievements, and rise to the top of competitive weekly leagues.

Built with native speakers

Hiligaynon sounds different from town to town and family to family. That's why Wika's Hiligaynon course is reviewed by people who grew up speaking it.

Speak Hiligaynon? Become a Wika Contributor
  • Native Hiligaynon speakers check words, phrases, and recordings.
  • Corrections from the community go back into the lessons.
  • Every contributor helps keep Hiligaynon alive for the next generation.

Hiligaynon questions, answered

The things people ask before starting Hiligaynon.

Is Hiligaynon free to learn on Wika?

Yes, it's free to start. Wika is free to download, and core Hiligaynon lessons, streaks, missions, the dictionary, and rank progression are free to use. Conversation practice with Dialecto comes with the optional paid plans. Read the subscription terms

Is Ilonggo the same as Hiligaynon?

Yes. Ilonggo is the name many speakers use for Hiligaynon. Wika's course teaches the same language, whichever name your family uses.

Can I learn on Android?

Yes. Wika is on Google Play for Android phones and tablets, and on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Get it on Google Play

How long does it take to learn Hiligaynon?

It depends on where you start and how often you practise. Lessons are short enough to fit into a few minutes a day, and Wika places you at the right level, whether you're a complete beginner or a heritage learner who understands more Hiligaynon than you speak.

I understand some Hiligaynon but can't speak it. Is Wika for me?

Yes. That's who Wika is built for: heritage learners and families reconnecting with Hiligaynon. You can start from the basics or move quickly through what you already know.

Who checks the Hiligaynon lessons?

Native Hiligaynon speakers review the words, phrases, and recordings so every lesson sounds like home. If you speak Hiligaynon, you can help as a Wika Contributor. Be a Wika Contributor

Ready to Find Your Voice?

Wika is live on the App Store and Google Play — download it free and start speaking like a local today!

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