CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVE #1

Lesson 1: The Right Way to Use Cebuano Words (this will serve as warm up)

First of all, I'd say that the Cebuano language is a very rich language. Let's take for example the word
'wash.' The English speaking person is aware that the word 'wash' can be used for many kinds of tasks
that involve washing but in all of these tasks, only one word is used, i.e., the word "wash.". Some of
these uses are as follows:

▪ I will wash my face.

▪ I will wash my hands.

▪ I will wash my arms.

▪ I will wash my legs.

▪ I will wash my clothes.

▪ I will wash myself.

If we translate the above sentences into Cebuano, each of them will have its own specific word:
I will wash my face. - "Manghilam-os" ko.
I will wash my hands. - "Manghunaw" ko.
I will wash my arms. - "Manghimukton" ko.
I will wash my legs. - "Manghimati-is" ko.
I will wash my clothes. - "Manglaba" ko.
I will wash myself. - "Manghugas" ko.

In our next lesson, we will study how to pronounce some of the most common Cebuano words.

Lesson 2: The Right Way to Use Cebuano Words

Ang atong pagtulun-an karon mao ang matarong nga pag litok sa mga pulong Sugbu-anon. Sama sa
una'ng pagtulun-an, akong isagol ang pinulunga'ng English sa akong mga [Link] this lesson we
will examine some Cebuano words that can change their meaning if we change their [Link]'s
start with some two-syllable Cebuano words. Try to change the pronunciation of these words by
following the accent as indicated:

bása = to read basà = wet

káhà = cooking pan kahà = expression of uncertainty as in "may" or "might"
túod = expression of truth normally used as a suffix as in "ma-tuod" tuód = stump (the part of a tree
trunk left protruding from the ground after the tree has fallen or has been felled)
úsà = yet usá = one or deer
hàpon = afternoon hapón /Japan
kità= we kíta = to see
sàla = living room salà = sin
walà = left wàla = no;none

These are just few examples.

In our next lesson we will learn how Cebuano verbs are conjugated.
Lesson 3 - Conjugation
In Cebuano language, conjugation of verbs is quite unique in the sense that it has its own structure and
rules.

Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense

ni- / mi- / hing- /hin- nag- / ga- mo-

Ni/mi/nag/mo – the Topic of the sentence is the (doer,subject,actor) of the sentence.

Verbs of motion (to travel, to go, etc.)

Example:

Mikaon ko. I had eaten.

Nagkaon ko. I am eating.
Mokaon ko. I will eat

Of course, we all know that conjugation involves the transformation of the verb into three different
tenses, namely, past tense, present tense, and future tense. Let's take the verb "lakaw" which means to
walk.

So how do we conjugate the verb "lakaw?"

1. Past tense: - mi-lakaw

2. Present tense: - nag-lakaw
3. Future: - Mo-lakaw

As you noticed, the word "lakaw" did not change in all of the three tenses. It's the prefix that changes.
The prefix "mi" suggests something that already happened while the prefix "mo" suggests something
that is still going to happen. The uniqueness is in the present tense as signified by the prefix "nag" which
suggests something that is currently happening.

To put everything in context, let's use each tensed word in a sentence.

1. "Milakaw na si Nanay." This sentence is already sufficient to mean that mother had already left.

2. "Naglakaw kita'ng duha." This sentence is already sufficient to mean that the two of us walk.
3. "Molakaw na 'ko." This sentence is already sufficient to mean that I will go.

Let's take other verbs and conjugate them:

"ka-on" - to eat

1. Past tense: - mi-kaon Mikaon si Pedro.

2. Present tense: - nag-kaon Nagkaon si Pedro.
3. Future tense: - mo-kaon Mokaon si Pedro.

"kanta" -to sing

1. Past tense: - mi-kanta Mikanta si Pedro.

2. Present tense: - nag-kanta Nagkanta si Pedro.
3. Future tense: - mo-kanta Mokanta si Pedro.

"dagan" - to run

1. Past tense: - mi-dagan Midagan si Pedro.

2. Present tense: - nag-dagan Nagdagan si Pedro.
3. Future tense: - mo-dagan Modagan si Pedro.

"inom" to drink

1. Past tense: - mi-inom Miinom si Pedro.

2. Present tense: - nag-inom Naginom si Pedro
3. Future tense: - mo-inom Moinom si Pedro.

"palit" - to buy

1. Past tense: - mi-palit Mipalit si Pedro.

2. Present tense: - nag-palit Nagpalit si Pedro.
3. Future tense: - mo-palit Mopalit si Pedro

I'm sure we can all come up with many Cebuano verbs that are conjugated following this structure and
rule. However, we have to remember that for every rule there is always an exception.

Othe examples: sayaw,dula,trabaho,drayb,sulat,basa,tabi,langoy

The mi- prefix and the ni- prefix are interchangeable. They both mean the same thing.

ni- is the variation of mi- (particularly used in the locality of Cebu, Davao, Misamis Oriental, Iligan City as
well as some parts of western Leyte (from Baybay City to Ormoc City). used in informal conversation shall
be avoided in formal writing or communication. For formal communication, use the standard prefix “mi-“
instead.
hing - this prefix denotes fondness(hilig), propensity(gusto), or habit . It is joined to the root word that
begins with any of the vowels (a,e,i,o,u) & consonants like k, l, w and y. The initial k is omitted.
 hing + (k)anta = hinganta (always loves to sing)
hing + yabag = hingyabag (goes out of tune)

hin – is the variation of "hing-". It is joined to words that begin with d, s, or t and sometimes L and it
would denote inclination to do or to become something. Take note that the initial consonant is omitted and
replaced with the prefix “hin.” The word formed in this combination is an adjective that describes one's
fondness over something.

hin + (d)agat = hinagat (fond of the sea)

hin + (s)abaw = hinabaw (fond of broth)
hin + (s)ugo = hinugo (fond of giving errand)
hin + (s)ulat = hinulat (loves to write)

ga – is the short for the suffix "naga-". It is attached to a root verb. The new word formed in this
combination would indicate progressive verb form. This shortened form is casually used in verbal
communication; not advisable in formal writing. It is advised to use the standard “naga-“ or “nag-“when in
formal communication.

dula (play) ga + dula = gadula (nagadula; nagdula) (playing)

kaon (eat) ga + kaon = gakaon (nagakaon; nagkaon) (eating)
sulat (write) ga + sulat = gasulat (nagasulat; nagsulat) (writing)
basa (read) ga + basa = gabasa (nagabasa; nagbasa) (reading)
lakaw (walk) ga + lakaw = galakaw (nagalakaw; naglakaw) (walking)

CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVE #2

(continuation of Conjugation Rule Exceptions)

Examples of Cebuano words with same spelling but different in meaning.

1. táhod = respect
tahód = spur (tied to the leg of the fighting cock)
2. sálig = trust
salíg = depend
3. láhi = kind or nature
lahì = different
4. lábay = throw
labáy = pass
5. báti = feeling
batì = unpleasant
batì = in labor
6. ápas = follow
apás = catch up
7. balí = invert, flip
báli = expression of being fed up, to buy some things to be paid later
8. toó = right side
tóo = believe

Lesson 1 - Conjugation Rule Exceptions

Some Cebuano verbs don't follow the general rule of conjugation as I explained in our previous lesson.
Let's take a look at some of those verbs.

Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense

na- naka- / nagka- / na- ma- / maka-

Na-actor past ability

Naka – actor present ability
Ma-actor future ability

na - can be use as past/present tense

ability - (you can)
Example: "túlog" - to sleep
Natulog ang bata. The child is sleeping.
Nakatulog ang bata. The child had slept.
Matulog ang bata. The child will sleep.

Luto,mao,drayb

na – is the present and past tense of "ma-" It indicates the following:

1. The state or condition of transformation or eventuality.

na + buang = nabuang (became insane)

na + babaye = nababay (became a girl)
na + pobre = napobre (became poor)
na + adunahan = naadunahan (became rich)

2. It tells that an action was done, or that a situation has occurred.

na + hulog = nahulog (was fallen \feel down)

na + lingaw = nalingaw (was entertained \fascinated)
na + libog = nalibog (was confused)
na + luto = naluto (was cooked)

3. That the subject or object in the statement has been included in the inventory or group when used as
the short form of "naha-"

na + lista = nalista (has been listed)

na + lakip = nalakip (has been included)
na + apil = naapil (has been included)
na + angin = naangin (has been involved)

naka - is used in the following situations:

1. It is attached to root word to denote the present and past tense of "maka-".

naka + tindog = nakatindog (is now standing \has stood up)

naka + mao = nakamao (is now learning \has learned )
naka + biyahe = nakabiyahe (is now travelling \has travelled)
naka + sugakod = nakasugakod (is now withstanding \has withstood)
naka + gikan = nakagikan (is now leaving \has left)
naka + maneho = nakamaneho (is now driving \has drove)

nagka - is the present and past tense of "magpa" and it indicates the following:

1. When attached to an adjective word, it denotes that something is gradually happening.

nagka + pula = nagkapula (turns into or became red)

nagka + dako = nagkadako (becomes or became larger)
nagka + taas = nagkataas (grows or grew taller)
nagka + kalayô = nagkalayô (getting far)

2. It tells that that something occurred by chance or as expected between or among the subjects.

nagka + kita = nagkakita (meet or had met each other)

nagka + sabot = nagkasabot (understand or understood each other)
nagka + higugmaay = nagkahigugmaay (love or loved each other)
nagka + abot = nagkaabot (happened to met each other)

ma - this prefix, in its adverb form, is limited to root words that are related to time. This is the short form of
"matag-."

ma + dominggo = madoiminggo (on Sundays)

ma + hapon = mahapon (on afternoons)

The prefix "ma" is also used as prefix to let the verb indicate that the subject will be or have the possibility
of becoming what has been indicated by the root noun or root adjective

ma + buang = mabuang (will or may become insane)

If "ma" is prefixed to root verb, it denotes possibility that an action can be performed.

ma + lakaw = malakaw (can be walked)

ma + alsa = maalsa (can be lifted)
ma + human = mahuman (can be finished)
ma + himo = mahimo (can be done)

Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense

nag- nag- / naga- mag-

Nag- ongoing action in the past tense

Naga- ongoing action in the present tense
Mag-ongoing action in the future tense

Naghulat ko og usa ka oras. I waited for an hour.

Nagahulat ko. I am waiting.
Maghulat ko. I will wait.

nag - is the short for “naga-“ indicating a continuing or progressive action

nag + lakaw = naglakaw (walking)

nag + damgo = nagdamgo (dreaming)
nag + maneho = nagmaneho (driving \managing)

“ga” “naga-“ or “nag-“when in formal communication.

dula (play) ga + dula = gadula (nagadula; nagdula) (playing)

kaon (eat) ga + kaon = gakaon (nagakaon; nagkaon) (eating)
sulat (write) ga + sulat = gasulat (nagasulat; nagsulat) (writing)
basa (read) ga + basa = gabasa (nagabasa; nagbasa) (reading)
lakaw (walk) ga + lakaw = galakaw (nagalakaw; naglakaw) (walking)

mag = is the short for "maga". It denotes progressive or continuing action in the future.

mag + sulat = magsulat (will write)

maga + sulat = magasulat (will be writing)
mag + trabaho = magtrabaho (will go to work)
maga + trabaho = magatrabaho (will be working)

This prefix also indicates the following:

1. Profession, duplicating first syllable

mag + bugas = magbubugas (rice dealer)

mag + sulat = magsusulat (writer)
mag + dula = magdudula (player\actor)
magaani,magdadaro
2. Relationship - "mag" here is in the short form of "manag-"

mag + agaw = mag-agaw (cousins)

manag + agaw = manag-agaw (cousins)
mag + higala = maghigala (friends)
manag + higala = managhigala (friends)

3. What is going to have, to do, or to wear

mag + pormal = magpormal (to behave \ to weafr formal attire)

mag + barong = magbarong (wear barong)
mag + dala = magdala (bring something)
mag + barog = magbarog (stay standing)

4. Obligatory work
 mag + daginot = magdaginot (must be thrifty)
mag + tuon = magtuon (must study)
mag + biyahe = magbiyahe (must travel)
mag + hulat = maghulat (must wait)

[Link] Tense Present Tense Future Tense

gi-+root word+ -an gina- +root word + -an Root word + -an

The Topic of the sentence is the Indirect Object (the Benefactee,the Location,the Goal,etc.)
of the sentence.

Gihatagan niya og kwarta. He gave him money.

Ginahatagan niya. He had been giving.
Hatagan niya. He will give.

1.“luto”
Gilutoan,Ginalutoan,Lutoan
2.” Sulat”
Gisulatan,Ginasulatan,Sulatan
3.”dula”
Gidulaan,Ginadulaan,Dulaan
4.”uban”
Giubanan,Ginaubanan,Ubanan
He will come with you.

Istorya,inom,away,dali,dili

[Link] Tense Present Tense Future Tense

gi- gina- -on

The Topic of the sentence is the Direct Object (the Patient,the Goal,etc.)of the sentence.
-on –Object future

Gilung-ag niya. He cooked it.

Ginalung-ag niya. He is cooking it.
Lung-agon niya. He will cook it.
1.“luto”
Giluto,Ginaluto,Lutoon
2.” Sulat”
Gisulat,Ginasulat,Sulaton

3.”hunong”
Gihunong,Ginahunong,Hunongon
4.”dula”
Gidula,Ginadula,Dulaon
5.”uban”
[Link],Ubanon

“Istorya,inom,away,dali,dili,kaon

[Link] Tense Present Tense Future Tense

gi- gina- i-

The Topic of the sentence is the Instrument of the [Link] Instrument is the noun that
is used for the action of the sentence.

Gitaod niya. He installed it.

Ginataod niya. He is installing it.
Itaod niya. He will install it.

1.“luto”
Giluto,Ginaluto,Iluto
2.” Sulat”
Gisulat,Ginasulat,Isulat
3.”hunong”
Gihunong,Ginahunong,Ihunong
4.”dula”
Gidula,Ginadula,Idula
5.”uban”
[Link],Iuban

Istorya,”inom,away,dali,dili

Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense

nang- nang- / nagpang- mang-

Plural of nag,mag
Nanglaba siya gahapon. She was washing yesterday.
Nanglaba siya. She is washing.
Manglaba siya. She will go washing.

1. The present and past tense of prefix "mang"

nang + abot = nangabot (arrive or arrived in group or in succession)

nang + kaon = nangaon (eat or ate in group or one after another)
nang + lupad = nanglupad (fly or flew together or one by one)
nang + yabo = nangyabo (spill or spilt out together , alone, or one after
another)
2. The plural of "mi-' and is used in the past tense

nang + lukso = nanglukso (were jumping)

nang + hawa = nanghawa (they left \were leaving)
nang + hakot = nanghakot (were transporting)
nang + hambog = nanghambog (were bragging about)

Some Cebuano verbs don't follow the general rule of conjugation as I explained in our previous lesson.
Let's take a look at some of those verbs.

"labá" - to wash clothes

1. Past tense: - nang-labá

2. Present tense: - nag-labá
3. Future tense: - mag-labá

"ámping" - to take care

1. Past tense: - gi-ampíng-an (giampíngan)

2. Present tense: - nag-ámping
3. Future tense: - mag-ámping

"báid" - to sharpen

1. Past tense: - gi-báid

2. Present tense: - nag-báid
3. Future tense: - mag-báid

"dakóp" - to capture

1. Past tense: - gi-dakóp, nadákpan

2. Present tense: - nag-dakóp, nadakóp
3. Future tense: - mo-dakóp, magdakóp

Bargain Market,