bisan

Cebuano Word Focus: bisan

1 Part of Speech & Meaning

• Part of speech: Conjunction (concessive / conditional)
• Core meaning: “even though,” “although,” or “even if.” It introduces a clause that contrasts with, or sets a condition for, the main statement.

Example sentences

• Bisan uwanon, mi-padayon sila sa dula. – “Even though it was rainy, they continued the game.”
• Mag-tuon ko bisan gabii pa. – “I will study even if it is already night.”
• Bisan mahal, gipalit niya ang tiket. – “Although it was expensive, he bought the ticket.”

2 Points to Keep in Mind When Learning bisan (a Conjunction)

• Concessive force: bisan always introduces something surprising or contrary to expectation.
• Pairs with og / pa: You will often see bisan og (“even if”) or bisan pa (“even though”), but bisan alone is fine.
• Clause order is flexible: The bisan-clause can come first or after the main clause; use a comma if it comes first.
• No double conjunctions: Do not follow bisan with pero or apan in the same clause.
• Formality: Neutral; works in both casual chat and formal writing.

3 Common Collocations

• bisan og… – “even if …”
• bisan pa… – “even though / even still …”
• bisan asa – “anywhere / wherever”
• bisan unsa – “anything / whatever”
• bisan kinsa – “anyone / whoever”

4 Typical Position in a Sentence

Place bisan at the start of its own clause, either:

• Bisan wala koy kwarta, molarga ko. (concessive clause first)
• Molarga ko bisan wala koy kwarta. (main clause first)

5 Five Conversational Phrases

1. Padayon ta, bisan kapoy. – “Let’s continue, even though we’re tired.”
2. Mo-adto ko, bisan usa ra ko. – “I will go, even if I’m alone.”
3. Bisan asa, basta kuyog tika. – “Anywhere, as long as I’m with you.”
4. Dili ka mabayran bisan pila pa? – “Won’t you be paid no matter how much?”
5. Bisan unsa imong buhaton, suporta ko nimo. – “Whatever you do, I’ll support you.”

6 Five Simple Conversation Exchanges Using bisan

1. A: Makig-kita ka karon?
   B: Oo, bisan ulan-ulan pa.
   – “Can you meet now?” / “Yes, even if it’s drizzling.”
2. A: Nindot ba ang sine?
   B: Oo, bisan taas kaayo ang oras.
   – “Is the movie good?” / “Yes, although it’s very long.”
3. A: Mag-practice ta ugma?
   B: Mag-practice gihapon ta bisan Domingo.
   – “Shall we practise tomorrow?” / “We’ll still practise even though it’s Sunday.”
4. A: Mokaon ka pa?
   B: Mokaon ko bisan busog na ko gamay.
   – “Will you still eat?” / “I’ll eat even though I’m a bit full.”
5. A: Mu-eskuyla ka abroad?
   B: Mu-eskuyla ko bisan layo sa pamilya.
   – “Will you study abroad?” / “Yes, even though I’ll be far from family.”

7 Multiple-Choice Dialogue Questions

Q1. Makadayon ka ba sa lakaw bisan walay permiso?
A. Makadayon bisan ka lakaw walay permiso ko.
B. Walay permiso makadayon ka ko bisan.
C. Makadayon ko bisan walay permiso.

Q2. Mubalik ka ba sa trabaho bisan dili pa maayo imong lawas?
A. Mubalik ko sa trabaho bisan dili pa maayo akong lawas.
B. Akong lawas dili pa maayo trabaho mubalik ko bisan sa.
C. Bisan trabaho ko mubalik akong lawas dili pa maayo sa.

Q3. Magpadayon ba ang klase bisan kusog ang ulan?
A. Magpadayon kusog bisan ang ulan klase ang.
B. Magpadayon ang klase bisan kusog ang ulan.
C. Bisan ulan kusog magpadayon klase ang.

Q4. Mo-order ka gihapon bisan mahal ang pagkaon?
A. Ka order gihapon mo bisan mahal pagkaon ang.
B. Bisan pagkaon mahal mo order gihapon ang ko.
C. Mo-order ko gihapon bisan mahal ang pagkaon.

Q5. Moadto ba ta sa baybayon bisan init kaayo?
A. Moadto ta sa baybayon bisan init kaayo.
B. Init kaayo moadto ta baybayon bisan sa.
C. Ta baybayon init kaayo moadto sa bisan.

Answer Key & Short Explanations

• Q1 – C: Correct declarative order “subject + verb + bisan-clause.”
• Q2 – A: Places main statement first, then bisan reason; others scramble subject/verb.
• Q3 – B: Keeps “Magpadayon ang klase…” followed by bisan concession.
• Q4 – C: Proper sequence: intention stated, then contrast with bisan.
• Q5 – A: Statement first, bisan clause after; other options mis-order elements.