bisan kon

« Back to Glossary Index

Cebuano Word Focus: bisan kon
(“even if,” “even though,” “although” — a concessive/conditional linker that says one action happens despite a possible obstacle)

1. Part of Speech, Meaning, and Example Sentences

  • Part of speech: Conjunction (concessive conditional)
  • Meaning: Introduces a condition that does not stop the main action.

Example sentences

  1. Padayon koʼg trabaho bisan kon gikapoy na ko. – “I keep working even though I am tired.”
  2. Miadto siya bisan kon uwanon. – “He went even if it was rainy.”
  3. Bisan kon mahal, gipalit niya ang tiket. – “Although it was expensive, she bought the ticket.”

2. Key Points When Learning bisan kon

  1. Stronger than plain bisan: The added kon (if) stresses the hypothetical or unexpected nature of the condition.
  2. Clause order is flexible: The bisan kon clause can lead or follow the main statement; if it leads, separate with a comma.
  3. Never pair with other connectors: Do not write bisan kon pero or bisan kon apan in one clause.
  4. No double negatives: Avoid constructions like dili … bisan kon dili … unless you truly mean a double negation.
  5. Pronunciation: /ˈbi.san kɔn/ – short vowels; break slightly between the words.

3. Common Collocations

4. Typical Position in a Sentence

In both cases bisan kon sits at the start of its own clause.

5. Five Handy Conversational Phrases

  1. Moadto ko, bisan kon usa ra ko. – “I’ll go, even if I’m alone.”
  2. Bisan kon gabii na, padayon taʼg trabaho. – “Even though it’s night, let’s keep working.”
  3. Padayon lang, bisan kon lisod. – “Just continue, even if it’s hard.”
  4. Mupalit ko, bisan kon mahal gamay. – “I’ll buy it, even though it’s a bit pricey.”
  5. Mosmile gihapon ko, bisan kon kapait sa balita. – “I’ll still smile, despite the bitter news.”

6. Five Mini-Dialogues Using bisan kon

  1. A: Mouban ka ugma?
    B: Oo, bisan kon kapoy ko karon.
    (“Will you come along tomorrow?” / “Yes, even though I’m tired now.”)
  2. A: Mag-outdoor ta?
    B: Pwede ra, bisan kon uwan-uan gamay.
    (“Shall we do something outdoors?” / “Sure, even if it drizzles a bit.”)
  3. A: Nindot ba ang laptop?
    B: Nindot, bisan kon mahal.
    (“Is the laptop good?” / “Good, although expensive.”)
  4. A: Mopadayon ka sa proyekto?
    B: Mopadayon ko, bisan kon taas og oras.
    (“Will you continue the project?” / “I will continue, even if it takes long hours.”)
  5. A: Mag-diet ka gihapon?
    B: Oo, bisan kon fiesta karon.
    (“Are you still on a diet?” / “Yes, even though it’s fiesta today.”)

7. Multiple-Choice Dialogue Questions

Q1. Moadto ka ba sa trabaho bisan kon masakit ka?
A. Sa trabaho ko masakit bisan kon moadto.
B. Moadto ko sa trabaho bisan kon masakit ko.
C. Bisan kon masakit trabaho ko moadto sa.

Q2. Magpadayon ba ka og tuon bisan kon kapoy ka na?
A. Kapoy ka na tuon bisan kon magpadayon.
B. Bisan kon kapoy ka na magpadayon tuon ko.
C. Magpadayon ko og tuon bisan kon kapoy na ko.

Q3. Mopalit ka gihapon bisan kon mahal?
A. Mopalit gihapon ko bisan kon mahal.
B. Mahal ko bisan kon mopalit gihapon.
C. Bisan kon mopalit ko gihapon mahal.

Q4. Mobiyahe ba sila ugma bisan kon kusog ang bagyo?
A. Bisan kon kusog ang bagyo sila mobiyahe ugma.
B. Ugma sila bagyo kusog mobiyahe bisan kon.
C. Mobiyahe sila ugma bisan kon kusog ang bagyo.

Q5. Magdula ba ka gawas bisan kon init kaayo?
A. Magdula gawas ka init kaayo bisan kon.
B. Magdula ko gawas bisan kon init kaayo.
C. Init kaayo gawas ka magdula bisan kon.

Answer Key & Quick Explanations

  • Q1 – B: Correct: main clause “Moadto ko …” followed by concessive clause with bisan kon.
  • Q2 – C: Keeps proper order: “Magpadayon ko … bisan kon …”
  • Q3 – A: Statement first, then price concession; others scramble subject–verb–object.
  • Q4 – C: Clear future plan first, then storm condition; A and B invert or scatter words wrongly.
  • Q5 – B: Declarative clause with verb + place, then bisan kon temperature clause; others mis-order elements.
« Back to Glossary Index
Copied title and URL