oo

Yes

Level 1

Oo is the direct equivalent of the English word 'yes'. It is used to answer questions, agree with statements, or show you are listening.

How It Works

1. Basic Usage
The word oo is used in neutral and casual registers. In very fast or informal speech, it is sometimes shortened to a single 'O'. Unlike Tagalog, Cebuano does not use a specific 'polite' particle like opo; instead, politeness is shown by adding address terms like Ma'am, Sir, Nang, or Noy after the word.

2. Phonology
Pronunciation is key. It is not a long 'oh' sound. It consists of two syllables with a sharp break (glottal stop) in the middle. In older texts, you might see it spelled as uu, but oo is the modern standard.

3. Natural Responses
While oo is correct, native speakers often prefer to repeat the verb of the question to sound more engaged. For example, if asked 'Mokaon ka?' (Will you eat?), a native speaker might simply say 'Mokaon' (I will eat) instead of just oo.

4. Common Combinations
To add nuance, oo is frequently followed by enclitic particles:

  • Oo man: 'Yes, indeed' (softens the tone).
  • Oo lagi: 'Yes, I know/I agree' (shows stronger agreement).
  • Oo na: 'Yes, already' (can imply 'Yes, I've already done it').

Examples (4)

  1. Oo, gusto ko.

    Yes, I like it.

    Word by Word: Yes, want I.

    A standard affirmative response using the pronoun ko.

  2. Oo, moadto ko sa tiyanggi.

    Yes, I am going to the market.

    Word by Word: Yes, will-go I to-the market.

    Using oo to confirm a future action using the mo- actor focus.

  3. Gikapoy ka? Oo man.

    Are you tired? Yes, I am.

    Word by Word: Tired you? Yes indeed.

    The particle man is added here to soften the 'yes' and make it sound more natural in conversation.

  4. Oo, Sir. Human na.

    Yes, Sir. It is finished already.

    Word by Word: Yes, Sir. Finished already.

    Shows how respect is conveyed using a title rather than a specific particle, paired with na (already).

Common Mistakes

  • Saying 'oo' as one long vowel without the glottal stop in the middle.

    Oooo
    Oo

    If you say it as one long vowel, it sounds like the English 'oh' and may not be heard as 'yes'. Put a clear break between the two vowels.

  • Using 'oo' when you want to say 'that's the one'.

    Different MeaningKini ba? Oo.
    Kini ba? Mao.

    'Kini ba? Oo.' is a good exchange. Mao fits better when you want to confirm 'that's the one' or 'that's right.'

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ooLevel 1Yes

Words in This Pattern

oo