Cebuano Language

CEBUANO
LANGUAGE OBJECTIVES
MISSIONARY TRAINING CENTER
FOR MISSIONARY USE ONLY
30 MAY 2002
Table of Contents
TO THE MTC CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVES
#1: CEBUANO APHABET AND PRONUNCIATION -1-

THE CEBUANO ALPHABET (ABAKADA) -1-
READING AND WRITING CEBUANO WORDS -3-
PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE -4-
SPELLING PRACTICE -4-
#2: GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION -5-

GREET OTHERS WITH ‘GOOD MORKING?’, ETC. -5-
ASKING ‘HOW ARE YOU?’ -5-
ASKING HOW SOMEONE / SOMETHING -6-
ASKING ‘‘WHAT (WHO) IS YOUR NAME?’’ -6-
#3: EXPANDED GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION -7-

ASKING ‘WHERE ARE YOU GOING/COMING FROM?’ -7-
WHERE ARE YOU GOING / HEADED TO? -7-
ASKING WHERE SOMEONE IS FROM -8-
ASKING WHERE SOMEONE LIVES -8-
#4: ASKING FOR ENGLISH / CEBUANO EQUIVALENTS -9-

ASKING FOR TRANSLATIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES -9-
THE PLURALIZER MGA -10-
#5: GRAMMAR STRUCTURE OVERVIEW -11-

INTRODUCTION -11-
NOUN MARKERS -11-
NOUN PHRASE -12-
FOCUS -12-
NON-FOCUS -12-
SPECIFIC AND NON-SPECIFIC -13-
NOUNS AND PRONOUNS -13-
LOCATION (HERE AND THERE) -14-
#6: THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -15-

PURPOSE OF THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -15-
THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -15-
THE ANG SET OF PRONOUNS -16-
USING AND PRONOUNS IN GREETINGS -17-
ANG DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS -17-
#7: THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -19-

PURPOSE OF THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -19-
THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -19-
THE OG SETS OF PRONOUNS -20-
OG DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS -22-
#8: THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS -23-

PURPOSE OF THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS -23-
THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS -23-
THE SA SETS OF PRONOUNS -24-
SA DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS -25-
SA LOCATION MARKERS -26-
#9: NUMBERS -27-

FORMING CEBUANO NUMBERS -28-
SPANISH NUMBERS -29-
ASKING PILA QUESTIONS -30-
#10: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS AND TASTE -31-
#11: USING ‘TO BE’ IN STATEMENTS AND QUESTIONS -33-

USING ANG FOR ‘TO BE’ -33-
THE NGA LINKER -34-
CEBUANO PARTICLE ORDER -35-
ASKING YES / NO QUESTIONS USING BA -35-
DILI - NOT -36-
KAAYO AND GAYUD -37-
ANSWERING YES / NO QUESTIONS -37-
#12: TO HAVE / THERE IS (EXISTENTIAL) -39-

USING ADUNA, MAY, AND WALA IN SENTENCES -39-
USING ADUNA AND WALA -39-
THE - Y LINKER -40-
USING MAY -41-
ANSWERING EXISTENTIAL QUESTIONS -41-
#13: SENTENCE STRUCTURE -39-
#14: VERB STRUCTURE OVER VIEW -45-

INTRODUCTION -45-
FOCUS -45-
ACTOR -45-
OBJECT -46-
LOCATION -46-
TRANSITIVE -46-
Ditransitive -46-
TENSE -46-
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE -47-
#15: ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATION -49-

ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATIONS -49-
ABSOLUTE -50-
IMMEDIATE -51-
ABILITY (or POTENTIAL) -52-
IMPERATIVES (ACTOR FOCUS) -52-
NEGATING ACTOR FOCUS -52-
#16: OBJECT FOCUS VERBS -55-

IMMEDIATE / ABSOLUTE (Transitive) -56-
IMPERATIVE (Transitive) -56-
ABILITY (Transitive) -57-
IMMEDIATE / ABSOLUTE (Ditransitive) -58-
IMPERATIVE -59-
NEGATING OBJECT FOCUS (for either transitive or Ditransitive) -59-
COMPARISON OF ACTOR FOCUS AND OBJECT FOCUS -60-
#17: LOCATION FOCUS VERBS -61-

LOCATION FOCUS VERB CONJUGATIONS -61-
LOCATION FOCUS -62-
NON-ABILITY -62-
ABILITY -62-
IMPERATIVE (for either transitive or Ditransitive) -64-
NEGATING LOCATION FOCUS (for either transitive or Ditransitive -64-
COMPARISON OF ACTOR FOCUS, OBJECT FOCUS, AND LOCATION FOCUS -65-
#18: INTERROGATIVES -67-

HOW -69-
KUMUSTA -69-
UNSA KA -69-
UNSAON AND GIUNSA -71-
SA UNSA NGA PAAGI -71-
PILA -71-
WHERE -71-
#19: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NATURE, SMELL, SOUND AND COLOR -75-

VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING NATURE -75-
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING SMELL -75-
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING SOUND -75-
#20: PSEUDO VERBS -77-

USING BUOT AND GUSTO -78-
USING PWEDE AND MAHIMO -78-
USING KINAHANGLAN -78-
#21: DIRECTIONS AND SPECIFYING LOCATIONS -79-
#22: ASSORTED VERBS -81-

HIMO -81-
TO THINK -82-
USING ABI -83-
USING SAYUD, HIBALO, AND ILA -83-
#23: NA / PA ADVERBS -85-
#24: CALENDAR AND CLOCK TIME -87-
#25: TIME ADVERBS -89-
#26: CONJUNCTIONS -91-

COMMON CONJUNCTIONS -91-
#27: VERBALS -93-
#28: ASSORTED VOCABULARY -95-
#29: ADVANCED CONJUGATIONS -97-
APPENDIX -100-
CEBUANO NOUN MARKERS -101-
COMMON VERBS -102-
VOCABULARY LIST BY SUBJECT -106-
ADJECTIVES -106-
BEDROOM TERMS -106-
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE -106-
BOOKS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON -107-
CALENDER MONTHS -107-
CALENDER DATES -107-
CITY TERMS -108-
CLOCK TIME-SPANISH -108-
COLORS -108-
CONJUNCTIONS -108-
DAYS OF THE WEEK -108-
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS -108-
FOODS IN GENERAL -108-
FRUITS -109-
GOSPEL TERMS -109-
HOUSEHOLD TERMS -111-
HUMAN BODY -111-
KITCHEN TERMS -111-
LIVING ROOM TERMS -111-
MEATS, FISH & POULTRY -111-
MEDICAL TERMS -112-
MEN’S CLOTHES -112-
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE -112-
PREPOSITIONS -112-
RELIGIONS -112-
SEASONS -112-
SPORTS/ATHLETICS -112-
SUPERMARKET TERMS -112-
TIMES -113-
TRAVEL TERMS & DIRECTIONS -113-
INTERNATIONAL TERMS -113-
VEGETABLES -113-
WOMEN’S CLOTHING & MAKE-UP -113-
DIALOGUES -115-
NOTE: This Cebuano Language Objective is intended for use in the Missionary Training
Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the missionary or
MTC staff uses this guide please keep in mind that this book is under constant
revision and is not perfect. We ask you to overlook the mistakes and please make
changes where necessary. This Language Objective book is also not completely
correct for every region of the Visayas. Please make adjustments as needed and
edit this guide as more is learned about the Visayan-Cebuano language.
Salamat!
CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVE #1

CEBUANO ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION
(SYL)
#1: CEBUANO ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
- Pronounce the letters in the Cebuano alphabet

- Read and write Cebuano words
THE CEBUANO ALPHABET (ABAKADA)
Abakada (alphabet). The abakada or the Cebuano alphabet consists of twenty

letters in the following sequence:
a, b, k, d, e, g, h, i, l, m, n, ng, o, o, r, s, t, u, w and y
Note that k follows b and ng (new and different letter!) follows n.
Cebuano vowels. The Cebuano vowels are a, e, i,o and u. The Cebuano vowel sounds
are slightly different than English vowel sounds. The closest sounds to the five vowel sounds of
Cebuano are:
a as in far, father (ah, like ‘‘Ah ha! Eureka!’’)

e as in end, bed (eh, like an old man saying ‘‘Eh sonney!’’)
i as in eve, marine (ee, like ‘‘Eek, it’s an eel!)
o as in obey, hope (oh, like ‘‘Oh my goodness!’’)
u as in food, moon (ooh or ew, like seeing a painful football injury)
Cebuano consonants. The consonants are pronounced with the sound of a at the end:
Ba, Ka, Da, Ga, Ha, La, Ma, Na, Nga, Pa, Ra, Sa, Ta, Wa and Ya
The consonant Ng (spelled nga).
The ng sound is different to most English speakers because to them, the `n` and `g` are
two different letters. The Cebuano letter ng is one consonant and has neither the `n` nor the `g`
sound. It is pronounced in the same syllable.
It is pronounced by saying an ‘‘nga’’ sound from the back of the throat, while leaving the
tongue on the bottom of the mouth. Avoid the temptation to have the tongue touch the top row
of teeth. The initial nga sound can be practiced by selecting a phrase with the correct sound (say
-- sing a song). Then leave off the initial consonants (say –ing a –ong). Keep practicing until it
comes with ease.
(SYL)
The pronunciation of ng at the end of words is fairly simple, as in the English word sing
or lung, but its pronunciation within a word is a little more challenging. Most English words
with internal `n` and `g` consonants usually have the `n` and `g` separated into two different
syllables (ex. Man-ger, en-gine, en-glish, or man-go).
In English the `ng` combination is only found in the middle or end of words. In
Cebuano, the consonant ng may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words (such at
ngalan, paingon, or ang). The closest English words with the inside ng sound are longing,
singing, or hanger (pronounced with the `g` sound).
Spanish adopted letters. There are letters not found in the Cebuano alphabet used in the
language because of foreign languages. The following letters are taken from the Spanish
alphabet:
ch sounds more like `sh`, as in the Spanish name Chavez.

j sounds more like `h`, as in the Spanish name Jose.
ll sounds like `lly`, as in the Spanish name Padilla
n sounds like `ny`, as in the English canyon.
rr rolling r sound
x sounds like `h`, as in the Spanish name Roxas
English adopted letters. The following are English adopted letters:
c, ch, f, j, q, v, x and z
Other adopted letters.

ts this sounds like the `ts` in the English hats
Dipthongs. The Cebuano dipthongs are complex sounds that are combinations of simple
vowel sounds and semi-vowels.
iy as in pew diyutay (small amount)

ey as in bait reyna (queen)
ay as in hi balay (house)
aw as in brow adlaw (day)
oy as in boy baboy (pig)
Other complex sounds are:
dy as `j` in dyip (jeep)

sy as `sh` in misyon (mission)
(SYL)
READING AND WRITING CEBUANO WORDS
There are two skills involved in learning and becoming functional in a foreign language:
1) Reading written language and pronouncing it correctly, and

2) Writing the words your hear correctly.
A few ideas and a simple three step rule can help you develop both skills in Visayan.
Cebuano syllables. Cebuano is not a truly-written language, which means that

generally, a Cebuano word is spelled just as it is pronounced.
Each syllable and vowel is pronounced separately and distinctly. One Cebuano syllable
will consist of either a vowel (V), a vowel with a consonant (CV) / (VC), or a vowel between
two consonants (CVC). This makes reading in Cebuano much easier than English because the
words can be easily broken into syllables.
CVC-CV-CVC VC CV-CV-CV VC VC-CVC CV CVC-CV-CVC

Nag - pa - lit ang la - la - ki og ga - tas sa tin - da - han.
(The boy bough milk at the store.)
CV-VC-CV CV CV-CV CV CV-CV-CV-CVC VC-CV
Mo - ad - to ba si - ya sa Pi - li - pi - nas ug - ma?
(Will he/she go to the Philippines tomorrow?)
The three-step rule. A simple three-step process can help you read new words.
First, focus on the vowels in the new word (every syllables has one vowel). Thus, a word
with three vowels (ex. merkado) also has three syllables (mer-ka-do). The vowels form the
skeleton of the word.
Second, connect the vowels to the consonants and fill the flesh on the skeleton.
Finally, dress the word by adding correct stress and intonation.
Stress. Stress in Cebuano roots is usually placed on the next-to-last syllable, though this
is not always the case. Knowledge of where to place a stress usually requires experience with
the word. Many words have a different meaning when the stress is shifted.
STRESS ON FIRST SYLLABLE: STRESS ON SECOND SYLLABLE:
hapon afternoon Hapon Japan

basa to read basa wet
kita we (incl.) kita to see
(SYL)
Intonation. Like in English, generally raise your tone for questions and requests, let
your tone fall or level off for statements, commands, and responses, and suspend your tone for
series and non-final phrases.
Glottal catch. The glottal catch or the abrupt changes in the duration of syllables can
also change the meaning of some words. The glottal catch is an abrupt closing of the throat.
Thus, the last sound in the syllables is cut short. This occurs almost exclusively when the word
ends in a vowel.
CATCH ON FIRST SYLLABLE: CATCH ON SECOND SYLLABLE:

sala living room sala sin
wala left wala no; none
basa to read basa wet
*Note: The glottal stop, for all intents and purposes, acts as a silent ‘‘t’’ consonant.
PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE
Practice pronunciation by reading aloud the following Cebuano words:
VOCABULARY LISTFIGURE 1
Cebuano - Cebuano ebanghelyo - gospel dili - not, no (future)
Ingles - English kauban - companion wala - one; no (past)
Pilipinas - Philippines lalaki - male salamat - thank you
misyon - mission babaye - female walay sapayan - you're welcome
misyonaryo - missionary oo - yes
SPELLING PRACTICE
Practice spelling by writing the Cebuano words given you by your teacher.
VOCABULARY LIST FIGURE 1

CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVE # 2
GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
#2: GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Greet others with simple questions
maayo - good kamo - you (plural) lami - delicious

buntag - morning igsoon - sibling kinsa - who
odto - noon tatay - dad ngalan - name
hapon - afternoon nanay - mom si - name marker (ang)
gabii - evening pagtuon - study imong - you(r) (plural)
lang / ra - just, only pagkaon - food inyong - you(r) (plural)
`sab / pod / sad - too, also kinabuhi - life kumusta - hi / how are you?
ka - you (singular)
GREET OTHERS WITH `GOOD MORNING?`, ETC.
The first greeting you will learn is how to say ‘‘good morning’’ or ‘‘good evening’’ to
everyone you see.
GREETING: RESPONSE:
Maayong _____________. Maayon ______________ ‘sab/pod.
buntag buntag
odto odto
hapon hapon
gabii gabii
ASKING `HOW ARE YOU?`
The next greetings means ‘‘Hi’’, and ‘‘how are you?’’. The word kumusta comes from
the Spanish como esta.

GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
Kumusta! (Hello!) Kumusta! (Hi!)
Kumusta __________? (How are you?) Maayo. (Good.)
ka Kumusta man ______? (How are you?)
kamo ka
kamo
Maayo pod. Salamat! (Good also. Thank you!)
ASKING HOW SOMEONE / SOMETHING
Kumusta can be used for more than just to ask how someone is doing. Kumusta or ‘‘how
are…’’ questions may also be asked to find out how other people or things are. This is done by
adding an ang phrase to Kumusta modified by an og pronoun which acts as a possessive.
Kumust + modified ang phrase?
Kumusta ang _______ _______? (How is …)

imong tatay (your dad?) Maayo. (Good)
kauban (your companion?) Nindot! (Great!)
inyong pagkaon (your food?) Lami. (Delicious.)
Kumusta si __________?
Elder/Sister… (How is Elder/Sister…?) Maayo kaayo! (Very well!)
The og marker and pronouns will be discussed in depth in a later objective.
ASKING ‘‘WHAT (WHO) IS YOUR NAME?’’
Kinsa (or Unsa) + modified ang phrase?
Kinsa ang imong ngalan? Ako si (Elder/Sister…)

Unsa ang inyong mga ngalan? Ako si (Elder/Sister) ug siya si (Elder/Sister)
In Cebuano, the phrase above is really asking ‘who is your name?’ It is common to hear both
‘who’ and ‘what is your name?’

EXPANDED GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
#3: EXPANDED GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Use conversational greetings

asa - where (future) gikan - coming from diha - there (closer to

diin - where (past) diri - here (close to listener)
taga - native of speaker) didto - there (far from
nagpuyo - reside, live dinhi - here (close to speaker and listener)
padulong / paingon - speaker and listener)
headed to
ASKING `WHERE ARE YOU GOING/COMING FROM?`
Filipinos often greet each other with the questions “Where are you going?” or “Where
have you been?” To many foreigners, this seems nosy. This is meant to be a polite, informal
greeting. You do not have to indicate exactly where you are going or where you have been. A
vague response is just fine.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING / HEADED TO? (future tense)
Asa + pronoun + preposition
Asa _______ paingon? (Where are you headed?) Sa (place). (To (place.)
ka
kamo
WHERE DID YOU JUST COME FROM? (past tense)
Diin + pronoun + preposition?
Diin ______ gikan? (Where are you coming from?) ______ lang. (Just here/there.)
ka Dinhi
kamo Diha (show facial expression)
Didto

EXPANDED GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION
ASKING WHERE SOMEONE IS FROM
Filipinos enjoy knowing where people are from (their origins). Although it is not usually
the first greeting, the question “Where are you from?” is often asked when getting acquainted
with someone.
Taga + diin + ang phrase Taga + place + ang phrase

Taga diin ______? (Where are you from originally) Taga _____ _____ . (I am from Bohol.)
ka Bohol ako
siya Bacolod siya
kamo Samoa kami
sila Utah sila
si ______ Cebu si ______
ASKING WHERE SOMEONE LIVES
The verb puyo is used to find out where a person lives (resides).
Asa _____ nagpuyo? (Where do you live?) Nagpuyo _____ sa (place). (I live in (place).)
ka ako
siya siya
sila sila
kamo kami
ang mga misyoneryo ang mga misyoneryo
si Sister/Elder si Sister/Elder

ASKING FOR ENGLISH / CEBUANO EQUIVALENTS
(SYL)
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Ask for translation of words and phrses

- Learn the pluralizer mga
ASKING FOR TRANSLATIONS FOR WORDS AND PHRASE
QUESTION: RESPONSE:
Unsa ang ______ sa ______? ______ ang ______ sa ______.

Cebuano Cebuano
Ingles Inggles
Examples:
Unsa ang ‘book’ sa Cebuano? ‘Basahon’ ang ‘book’ sa Cebuano.
Unsa ang ‘saging’ sa Inggles? ‘Banana’ ang ‘saging’ sa Inggles.

Ask you teacher for the Cebuano translation of some objects in the classroom. As you
learn the new Cebuano words, write them down with the English meaning in the space below.

ASKING FOR ENGLISH / CEBUANO EQUIVALENTS
(SYL)
THE PLURALIZER MGA
The mga pronounced ma-nga) is placed before a word to pluralize it. It is similar to the
English endings -s or -es. Once pluralized the mga is a part of the word or phrase and cannot
be separated. Just consider any pluralized word (like mga basahon) as one word!
Examples:
Singular Plural
book - basahon books - mga basahon

member - sakop members - mga sakop
companion - kauban companions - mga kauban
church - simbahan churches - mga simbahan
CORRECT: Maayo ang mga sakop. INCORRECT: Maayo mga ang sakop.

GRAMMAR STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
(GRAMMAR)
#5: GRAMMAR STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Know the definitions of key grammar principles

- Recognize the usage of these principles in Visayan
INTRODUCTION
The following principles are very important in truly understanding Visayan. Many of
these ideas may be foreign to native-English speakers (hence the term foreign language). Open
your mind to this new way of thinking and allow these ideas to grow.
NOUN MARKERS
The first principle to be discussed will be nouns. Nouns are usually one of the following:
person, place, or thing. In English, nouns are marked with the articles “a” or “the” (like “the
gospel” or “a copy of the Book of Mormon”). In Cebuano there is a similar idea. Every
Cebuano noun in a sentence is marked (preceded) with a word from one of three different sets of
nouns markers.
These three groups of markers are called the Ang, Og, and Sa sets. Each set shows the
role a noun plays in a Cebuano sentence. The marker always comes in front of the noun along
with any modifying words (such as adjectives). These markers are similar (but are not exactly
the same) to the English articles “the” and “a, an”.
So, all nouns need a marker from one of the sets. The language situation will decide
which one will be used. These three sets will be discussed in depth later.
Examples:
ang Basahon ni Mormon (focus on Book of Mormon) NOT: Basahon ni Mormon
og pagpamatuod (non-focus, non-specific testimony) pagpamatuod
sa Philippines (location of Philippines) Philippines
You will not see a noun that is alone, without marker. Every noun needs a marker.

(GRAMMAR)
NOUN PHRASE
Nouns are often described by adjectives. As these adjectives are added to the noun a
noun phrase is made. There is nothing like this in English. The adjectives that modify a noun
are liked to the noun and this group of linked words, along with the noun marker, is the phrase.
So, a noun phrase in Cebuano is the group of words that include 1) the noun marker, 2)
any modifying words (such as adjectives and pluralizers), and 3) the noun.
Examples:
ang buotan nga mga misyonaryo - focus on the kind missionaries.
The adjective kind is linked to the (plural) missionaries. The ang marker in this phrase is
marking the entire phrase of both adjective and noun. When identifying noun phrase, look for
the marker (Ang, Og, Sa) along with linked adjectives and the noun.
FOCUS
One of the most significant and important Cebuano grammar principles is that of focus.
The focus of the sentence is the most important, or noteworthy, thing in the sentence. When a
noun is marked as the focus, it yells to the listener, “HOY! I am the thing in the sentence that you
need to be paying attention to!” As the focus of the sentence is chosen, the rest of the parts of
the sentence (i.e. verb conjugation, other noun markers) are defined in their own places. This
focus is the noun that the rest of the sentence revolves around and describes.
In Cebuano, the person who initiates the conversation will pick the focus of the sentence.
Once the focus is chosen, the rest of the sentence falls in line under the direction of the now-
chosen focus. To keep continuity in the conversation, the other
participants in the conversation will form their sentences around the
same focus. Focus
The Ang set of markers is used to indicate focus. More on the
Ang-focus markers will be discussed in the next CLO. Ang Non-Focus
Og / Sa
NON-FOCUS
As the focus is chosen, the rest of the nouns in the sentence become either non-focus or
locations. The non-focus nouns are simply those nouns in the sentence that are not the focus.
They are marked by other noun markers and say to the listener, “Hello! We are the things in the
sentence that are important, but not chosen to be the most important. We supply information
about the focus and complete the sentence in a non-disruptive way.”
The Og and Sa sets of markers are used to indicate non-focus. Find out more about the
Og and Sa markers in the next couple of CLOs.

(GRAMMAR)
SPECIFIC AND NON-SPECIFIC
The concept of specific nouns and non-specific nouns is fairly easy to understand. There
is something very similar to this concept in English. Assume that we have a group of mangos on
the table. What is the difference between the two statements “I want the mango.” or “I want a
mango.”? The difference is that in the first sentence, the article “the” implies that there is a
particular mango that I will want. With the article “a”, the second sentence similarly implies
that there isn’t any particular mango that I want.
Cebuano concept of specific and non-specific have very similar meanings to the English
articles ‘the’ and ‘a’, respectively. As later CLO lessons will explain, Ang and Sa markers are
specific while the Og markers and the floating are non-specific.
NOUNS AND PRONOUNS
Nouns have an organization that makes things very simple. In Cebuano, there are two
types of nouns: Common Nouns and Personal Proper Names. Common nouns can be any
place or thing and personal proper names are people (these two types of nouns cover the standard
“people, place, or thing” definition of a noun).
Examples:
Common Noun Personal Proper Name
the scripture Joseph Smith

a discussion Brother Dean
a Book of Mormon Sister Binayan
Cebu Ruth
Western Samoa Nephihah
Pronouns take the place of the nouns. There are also two types of pronouns:
Demonstrative Pronouns and Personal Pronouns. Demonstratives take the place of common
nouns (eg. a book → this or that) and personal pronouns take the place of personal proper names
(eg. Abraham → he or I or you)
Examples:
Demonstrative Pronoun Personal Pronoun
this, these I, me
that, those you, you (plural)
he, she
they
we, us (exclusive and inclusive)
Brother Dean bought that → He bought that. (Personal proper name → Personal pronoun)
I bought the book → I bought that. (Common noun → Demonstrative)
Pay attention to the lessons taught about Ang, Og, and Sa so that you will see how this noun
explanation all fits in!

(GRAMMAR)
LOCATION (HERE AND THERE)
The English locations of here and there are a little more complex in Cebuano. When
English speakers refer to the locations of objects or places while speaker, there are only two
distances they can use, here or there. Cebuano, however, shows relative distance of the speaker
and the person being spoken to. In Cebuano there are not simple two distances, but four:
LOCATION DEFINITION - These are used in locations, demonstratives, and other

places (e.g. here, there, this, that, in this, in that, etc.)
HERE1 Close to the speaker but far from the person being spoken to.
(kari / kiri, niari / niiri, ari, diri, dia)
HERE2 Close to both the speaker and the person being spoken to.
(kini, niini, anhi, dinhi, nia)
THERE1 Far from the speaker but close to the person being spoken to.
(kana, niana, anha, diha, naa)
THERE2 Far from both the speaker and the person being spoken to.
(kadto, niadto, adto, didto, tua)
These locations are applied to many different grammar principles of Cebuano. Pay
attention to these also, and you will notice them in many situations. To clarify how these are
used, imagine that a speaker (☺) is talking about an object, a pencil ( ), to the person being
spoken to, or the listener (☺). The following diagram will show the here-there locations.
HERE1 ☺ ☻
HERE2 ☺ ☻
THERE1 ☺ ☻
THERE2 ☺ ☻

THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
(GRAMMAR)
#6: THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Understand the purpose of the Ang set of noun markers

- Recognize the Ang set of noun markers
- Recognize the ang set of pronouns
- Use Ang pronouns in greetings
PURPOSE OF THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
The Ang set of markers have a few definitions and usages.

1) The Ang markers label the marked noun as the FOCUS of the sentence. In
Cebuano grammar, all sentences revolve around the selection of Ang. It marks
the most important or noteworthy thing in the sentence. On a larger scale, the
Ang is determined by the topic of conversation.
2) In a simple sentence, which contains a verb, there can only be one Ang phrase.
3) Ang also takes the meaning of the verb “to be” for example, “is, are, was, were,
etc.” in simple sentences without a conjugated verb. These are known as
Identification sentences.
The following are the markers that designate the noun to be the FOCUS of the sentence.
They mark the common noun and the personal proper noun.
STRUCTUREFIGURE2
ang ____________ (common noun)

si ___________ (personal proper name)

(GRAMMAR)
THE ANG SET OF PRONOUNS
As discussed before, a pronoun is a specific word that replaces a noun. In Cebuano, there
are three sets of pronouns, Ang, Og, and Sa. Each set of pronouns has specific meanings and
cannot be used interchangeably (i.e. you can’t use an Og pronoun in the place of an Ang part of
speech)!
Cebuano pronouns are a little different than English ones. There are two “you” pronouns,
a singular you and a plural you. English has you (singular) and y’all (plural), but “you” usually
accounts for both. There is also a difference in the “we” pronouns. There are two types,
exclusive and inclusive; “exclusive” means excluding the person being spoken to; “inclusive”
includes the person being spoken to.
The following are the Ang set of pronouns that mark the person as the focus of the
sentence. They replace the name of a person. For example, the name, John, can be replaced by
the pronoun he. While the name John would be marked in Cebuano by the personal proper name
marker, many times it is simpler to just substitute the name for the pronoun. In this case, siya.
SINGULAR PLURAL
1ST PERSON ako - I kami - we (exclusive)
kita - we (inclusive)
2ND PERSON ikaw / ka - you kamo - you
3RD PERSON siya - he / she sila - they
Note: The Ang pronoun list can, and often is, abbreviated when used in conversational
speaking.
EXAMPLE: ako - ‘ko

kami - ‘mi
kamo - ‘mo
kita - ‘ta
sila and siya are not abbreviated
Ikaw versus ka (yes, there are differences).- If the Cebuano sentence or phrase requires
the English you as the first word, the Cebuano word Ikaw is used. A sentence or phrase never
begins with ka. Likewise, ikaw is not usually used in the middle or end of a sentence (i.e.,
"Kumusta ka?" and "Ikaw, kumusta?" is correct; "Ka, kumusta?" is incorrect).

(GRAMMAR)
USING ANG PRONOUNS IN GREETINGS
GREETING: RESPONSE:
Kumusta _____? Maayo man _____.

ka ako
kamo kami
siya siya
kita kita
sila sila
si Sister/Elder si Sister/Elder
ang mga Filipino ang mga Filipino
Asa/diin _____ paingon/gikan? Paingon/Gikan _____ sa ________.

ka ko Cebu
siya siya Mindanao
kamo kami Manila
kita kita Tacloban
Si Sister/Elder Si Sister/Elder Bacolod
ANG DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
As we have seen earlier, a pronoun takes the place of a noun. The personal pronouns (as
we have studied) take the place of people. A demonstrative pronoun, on the other hand, takes
place of common nouns. The following pronouns take the place of anything that could be
marked with Ang.
Demonstrative ANG Pronoun DEFINITION WITH LOCATION

kiri (kari) This (focus) – HERE1
Kini (kani) This (focus) – HERE2
kana That (focus) – THERE1
kadto That (focus) – THERE2
Remember what is meant by HERE1, HERE2, etc. This chart has been included here for clarity.
HERE1 ☺ ☻
HERE2 ☺ ☻
THERE1 ☺ ☻
THERE2 ☺ ☻

(GRAMMAR)
Note: Kiri, kini, kana, and kadto are often abbreviated 'ri, 'ni, 'na, and 'to. In the Philippines
currently, kiri is not used as much as the others.
Like all Ang words, kiri, kini, kana, and kadto are used to describe the focus. In a
sentence with a verb, they are the ang of the sentence. The pluralizer mga is inserted after the
linker, nga, but before the noun (this or that plus the noun, i.e. that member, that investigator) to
denote “these” or “those”.
SINGULAR NOUN PLURAL NOUN

kini + noun = kini’ng noun, This noun kini + mga + noun = kini’ng mga noun, These nouns
kana + noun = kana’ng noun, That noun kana + mga + noun = kana’ng mga noun, Those nouns
Examples of the Ang Demonstrative Pronouns:
Imong bolpen kiri. (This is your pen.)

Lami man kining pagkaon. (This food is delicious.)
Akong balay kana. (That is my house.)
Nindot kayo kadtong mga basahon nga akong gibasa. (Those books that I read were really great.)
USING ANG DEMONSTRATIVE IN SENTENCES

Question: Answer:
Kumusta __________? Maayo __________?

kiri kana
kini kini
kana kiri
kadto kadto
Note: Kana can also be used in place of it. Since Cebuano is not gender specific, it does not
have a specific word for it. Both siya and kana are used to mean it depending on the situation.
Kana is used when no prior reference has been made concerning the object in discussion. Siya is
used when the object in discussion has been identified and referred to previously.
Examples:
Situation 1
Kuha-a ’na!. Get it! (Command to get an object in view)
Situation 2
Nanay: Hain man ang kwarta?

Bata: Tua sa taas.
Nanay: Kuha-a siya! Get it! (Command to get the money)

THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
(GRAMMAR)
#7: THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Understand the purpose of the Og set of noun markers

- Recognize the Og set of noun markers
- Recognize the Og set of pronouns
- Use Og pronouns in greetings
PURPOSE OF THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS
The Og set of markers has two definitions and usages. There are separate definitions for
the Og marker and its pronouns.
1a- The Og marker (not its pronouns) identifies the noun as a non-focus, often the direct
object of the sentence. Og marks a non-specific noun (again, this is similar to ‘a’ or ‘some’ in
English, but not directly translated as such).
(NOTE: Direct objects can be found by asking the questions, “what was ‘verb-ed’?” or “what
received the action of the verb?”)
1b- The Og pronouns and the personal proper name marker are non-focus actors when
used with verbs. In this scenario they would be translated to mean: I, we, you, they, etc.. The
Og marker itself never is used to denote an actor (because it is not-specific)!
2- Og pronouns and the personal proper name marker are used to show possession when
used with nouns. In this scenario they would be translated to mean: mine, our(s), your(s),
their(s), etc.. Again, the Og marker itself is never used to denote possession (because it is not-
specific)!
The following are the Og markers for common nouns and personal proper names.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
og ____________ (common noun)

ni ___________ (personal proper name)

(GRAMMAR)
EXAMPLES USING THE OG SET
The following demonstrate how Og pronouns are used. (Note that these examples use
grammatical ideas that have not yet been discussed.)
Definition 1a: Naghimo sila og balay. Magtudlo kami sa mga tawo.

(They made a house.) (We will teach people.)
Definition 1b: Tudloan namo siya og hiskutanan. Gihatagan nako sila og Basahon ni Mormon.
(We will teach him a discussion.) (I gave them a Book of Mormon.)
Definition 2: Niadto ka sa ilang balay. Kini ang among Simbahan.

(You went to their house.) (This is our Church.)
Napalit nako ang iyang pagkaon. Bolpen ba nimo kana?

(I was able to buy his food.) (Is that your pen?)
THE OG SETS OF PRONOUNS
The Og set of pronouns has a list of pronoun-roots that can be combined in two ways.
The Og pronouns can precede or follow the words they modify. This makes the Og pronouns
very flexible. Also, these pronouns can be used with both nouns and verbs (we will talk about
verbs in a few lessons to come). They have very different roles when used with nouns or verbs.
Now, Og roots act as non-focus actors (I, you, he/she, we, they) when used with verbs. They act
as the possessive pronoun (my, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs) when used with nouns. In the chart
below, the non-focus actors will be italicized so that their meanings will not be confused with the
possessives.
ROOTLIST
SINGULAR PLURAL
1ST PERSON ako - I, my, mine amo - we, our, ours (exclusive)
ato - we, our, ours (inclusive)
2ND PERSON imo - you, your, yours inyo - you, your, yours
3RD PERSON iya - he/she, his/her, his/hers ila - they, their, theirs

(GRAMMAR)
These Og roots can be used before or after the word it modifies, with equal meaning. This is
done by adding a prefix or a suffix.
BEFORE: root+ng NOUN or VERB AFTER: NOUN or VERB n+root
ako + ng → akong n+ako → nako

imo imong imo nimo
iya iyang iya niya
amo among amo namo
ato atong ato nato
inyo inyong inyo ninyo
ila ilang ila nila
USING OG PRONOUNS IN GREETINGS BEFORE NOUN/VERB:
GREETING: RESPONSE:
Kinsa ang _____ (mga) ngalan? Si _____ (ug si _____) ang _____ (mga) ngalan.
(or unsa) imong akong
iyang iyang
ilang ilang
inyong among
Unsa ang _____ gigamit? _______ gigamit ang _______.

imong Akong bolpen
iyang Iyang lapis
ilang Ilang kasulatan
inyong Among hisgutanan
USING OG PRONOUNS IN GREETINGS AFTER NOUN/VERB:
GREETING: RESPONSE:
Kinsa ang (mga) ngalan _____? Si _____ (ug si _____) ang (mga) ngalan _____.
nimo nako
niya niya
nila nila
ninyo namo
Unsa ang gigamit _____? Gigamit _______ ang __________.

nimo nako mga basahon
niya niya kasulatan
nila nila mga bolpen
ninyo namo Basahon ni Mormon

(GRAMMAR)
OG DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
Like mos Og words, niiri, niini, niana, and niadto are used as the non-focus part of the
sentence (usually the direct object), corresponding with the Og list of noun markers. The
following pronouns take the place of anything that could be marked with Og.
Demonstrative OG Pronoun DEFINITION WITH LOCATION

niiri (niari) This (non-focus) – HERE1
niini (niani) This (non-focus) – HERE2
niana That (non-focus) – THERE1
niadto That (non-focus) – THERE2
Note: Niiri, niini, niana, and niadto are often abbreviated ‘ari ‘ani, ‘ana, and ‘adto.
Examples of Og Demonstratives:
Magkuha ka niiri gikan sa ako unya.

(You will get this from her later.)
Gihatagan nako siya niini.
(I gave him this.)
Magpalit ako niana.
(I will buy that.)
Mobasa siya niadto nga basahon ugma.
(She will read that book tomorrow.)

THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS
(GRAMMAR)
#8 THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Understand the purpose of the Sa set of noun markers

- Recognize the Sa set of noun markers
- Recognize the Sa set of pronouns
PURPOSE OF THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS
The Sa set of markers also has three definitions and usages.
1- They identify a noun as a non-focus of the sentence in the same way as Og.
However, the Sa set marks a specific noun (similar to ‘the’ but, again not directly translated as
such).
2a- The Sa set also shows that the noun it marks is a location or direction of the action.
They can also identify to whom the action of the sentence is directed. Sa is often translated
using English prepositions (in, to, at, for, from, by, on, into, through, etc.). There can be more
than one Sa phrase in a single sentence.
2b- The marker Sa also shows possession for common nouns.
The following are the noun and name markers for the Sa set.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
sa ____________ (common noun)

kang ___________ (personal proper name)
(GRAMMAR)
EXAMPLES USING SA PRONOUNS
The following demonstrate how sa pronouns are used. (Note that these examples use
grammatical ideas that have not yet been discussed.)
Definition: Nagpalit kami sa iyang mga saging.

(We bought his bananas.)
Naghatag kami og Basahon ni Mormon sa iya.

(We gave a Book of Mormon to her.)
Definition 2a: Niadto kami sa tindahan sa Bohol.

(We went to the store in Bohol.)
Nagtukod sila og balay sa ilang barangay.

(They built a house in their barangay.)
Definition 2b: Nindot ang balay sa Ginoo.

(The house of the Lord is wonderful. Or The Lord’s house is wonderful)
Tinuod ang mga baruganan sa simbahan.

(The principles of the church are true or The church’s principles are true.)
THE SA SETS OF PRONOUNS
The Sa set of pronouns also has a root list that is the same as the Og root list. These can
also be combined in two completely interchangeable ways.
ROOT LIST
SINGULAR PLURAL
1ST PERSON ako - me amo - us (exclusive)
ato - us (inclusive)
2ND PERSON imo - you inyo - you
3RD PERSON iya - him / her ila - them

(GRAMMAR)
These Sa roots are used with two prefixes that have the same meaning. These two lists are
completely interchangeable (i.e. sa amo = kanamo).
EXAMPLE:
sa + root ka + n root
sa + ako → sa ako ka + nako → kanako

imo sa imo nimo kanimo
iya sa iya niya kaniya
amo sa amo namo kanamo
ato sa ato nato kanato
inyo sa inyo ninyo kaninyo
ila sa ila nila kanila
The ka + n root form is the true form of Sa pronouns and also a little more formal. It is not used
as much in everyday conversation as it once was. Also, please never use a sa marker with an
ang pronoun (e.g. sa ka, sa kita, sa siya, sa kamo, etc.).
NOTE: Don’t forget that Sa means ‘of’, it can also be possessive (i.e. Ang balay sa Dios – The
house of God), and can also be used in verbs as an actor (i.e. gibuhat sa mga propeta – the
prophets did).
SA DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
Niiri, niini, niana, and niadto are also used as the Sa locational markers when wanting to
position the demonstrative pronouns at a specific location. When using the Sa demonstratives, a
locational sa is not needed because it is included in the demonstrative.
Demonstrative SA Pronoun DEFINITION WITH LOCATION

niiri (niari) In/At This (location) – HERE1
niini (niani) In/At This (location) – HERE2
niana In/At That (location) – THERE1
niadto In/At That (location) – THERE2
Note: Niiri, niini, niana, and niadto are often abbreviated ‘ari ‘ani, ‘ana, and ‘adto.

(GRAMMAR)
Examples:
Wala nay kwarta niini nga bolsa nako.

(There is already no money in this pocket of mine.)
Adunay nindot nga pagkaon niini nga tindahan.
(There is great food (here) in this store.)
Niana nga bersukulo, nagingon si Alma nga…
(In that verse (there), Alma says that…)
Unsa ang problema niadto nga sakyan?
(What is the problem with that vehicle?)
SA LOCATION MARKERS
The Sa marker locates here and there. As stated previously, there are four types of
here/there. The Sa location markers are also broken up into tense. The past tense group of these
words is used the most for conversational here and there. The present tense ‘where’ location
markers will be discussed in a later CLO. The future tense words can be conjugated to form the
verbs “to com” or “to go” (although in the strict sense, they don’t quite mean that).
Location Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense Non-Time “Unto”

HERE1 diri a dia ari diri ngari
HERE2 dinhi a nia anhi dinhi nganhi
THERE1 diha a naa anha diha nganha
THERE2 didto a tua adto didto ngadto

NUMBERS-CEBUANO AND SPANISH
(GRAMMAR)
#9: NUMBERS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use Cebuano numbers to count

- Ask pila questions and answer with numbers
- Learn the Spanish numbers
In modern Cebuano, the Spanish number system is used most of the time. However,
Cebuano numbers ten and under are often used when counting and numbering. It is not common
to hear Cebuano numbers above ten, except hundred and thousand.
siro - zero pito - seven
usa - one walo - eight
duha - two siyam - nine
tulo - three napulo - ten
upat - four gatus - hundred
lima - five libo - thousand
unom - six
Numbering rules:
1. Any counted object is linked to the number by the number marker ka (not related to
the ang pronoun ka):
number + ka + object (mga is optional on the object

because it is already plural)
duha ka misyonaryo walo ka basahon

(2 missioaries) (8 books)
tulo ka saksi upat ka igsoon

(3 witnesses) (4 siblings)
dose ka (mga) Apostoles napulo ka adlaw

(12 Apostles) (10 days)
Cebuano Language Objective #9

(GRAMMAR)
2. To make the equivalent to English ordinal numbers (i.e. second, third, fourth, etc.), the
number is prefixed by ika- and linked to the object being counted by nga. The first ordinal
number (first, 1st) is an exception.
una / primero - first
ika + number + nga + object
ika-tulong higayon ika-duhang Nephi

(third time) (second Nephi)
akong ika-unom nga kauban ika-kinse nga propeta
(my sixth companion) (fifteenth prophet)
FORMING CEBUANO NUMBERS
Cebuano numbers can and do form larger numbers (past ten); however, these numbers are
not used a great deal because the Spanish numbers are used.
For numbers higher than ten add the Cebuano equivalents together using “and” (ug).
11 - napulo ug usa (or napulo’g usa) 12 - napulo ug duha (or napulo’g duha)
13 - napulo ug tulo 14 - napulo ug upat
For numbers between “teen” and “hundred” use the verbal ka- -an.
20 - ka duha an → kaluhaan
30 - ka tulo an → katloan
40 - ka upat an → kapatan
For the “hundreds” and “thousands” use the number marker ka.
100 - usa ka gatus 200 - duha ka gatus

300 - tulo ka gatus 400 - upat ka gatus
1000 - usa ka libo 2000 - duha ka libo
napulo - ten kapitoan - seventy
kawahan or kaluhan - twenty kawaloan - eighty
katloan - thirty kasiyaman - ninty
kapatan - forty usa ka gatus - one hundred
kaliman - fifty usa ka libo - one thousand
kanuman - sixty libo ka libo / milyon - one million

(GRAMMAR)
SPANISH NUMBERS
Because of the Philippine-Spanish heritage, Spanish numbers are almost always used.
1 - uno 17 - disisiyete 86 - otsenta'y sais
2 - dos 18 - disiotso 90 - nubenta
3 - tres 90 - disinuwebe 94 - nubenta'y kuwatro
4 - kuwatro 20 - beynte 100 - siyento
5 - singko 21 - bente uno 150 - siyento singkuwenta
6 - sais 30 - treynta 200 - dosiyentos
7 - siyete 35 - treynta'y singko 300 - tresiyentos
8 - otso 40 - kuwarenta 335 - tresiyentos treynta'y
9 - nuwebe 43 - kuwarenta'y tres singko
10 - diyes 50 - singkuwenta 400 - kuwatrosiyentos
11 - onse 52 - singkuwenta'y dos 600 - saisiyentos
12 - dose 60 - sisenta 700 - siyetesiyentos
13 - trese 69 - sisenta'y singko 995 - nuebesiyentos nubenta'y
14 - katorse 70 - sitenta singko
15 - kinse 78 - sitenta'y otso 1000 - mil
16 - disisais 80 - otsenya
These numbers are most commonly used when telling time and using money and calendar dates.
P0.01 - usa ka sentabos P0.50 - singkuwenta P10.00 - diyes
P0.05 - singko P1.00 - piso P20.00 - beynte
P0.10 - diyes P2.00 - dos pesos P50.00 - singkuwenta
P0.25 - beynte singko P5.00 - singko P100.00 - siyento
The Spanish numbers should also be used with verses and chapters in the scriptures. The
first fifteen numerals are the most important because the remaining numbers are just
combinations with the use of the Spanish “and” linker 'y (enta is a group of ten, siyento is a
group of hundred and mil is a group of thousands).
It is easy to see why Spanish numbers are often used due to the complexity of pure
Cebuano numbers. Example:
1820 - usa ka libo ug walo ka gatus ug kaluhaan or

1820 - mil otsosiyentos beynte

(GRAMMAR)
ASKING PILA QUESTIONS
Pila and variations of pila mean “how much” or “how many.” It is used with ang phrase
and can also be combined with the number marker ka. It is commonly used when asking the
price of something to buy or sell. Sometimes pila questions can be answered with indefinite
numbers like “about ten.” This approximation can be expressed using the plural marker mga
(Ex. mga napulo - about ten). There are three variations of pila that will be discussed here:
Pila, Pila ka, and Tagpila.
Pila when followed by an ang phrase usually means “how much.” It is answered using
the simple ‘is/are’ ang definition (i.e. “How much are those bananas?” “They are 1 peso.”)
Example:
Q: Pila + ang phrase + sa phrase A: Number + ang phrase + sa phrase
Pila kana nga mga saging sa tindahan? Diyes peso sila.

Pila kini nga bolpen? Usa ka dolar kana nga bolpen.
Pila ang kilo sa bugas sa mercado? Beynte sais ang kilo.
Pila ka usually means “how many” because it is using the ka marker to denote a count of
the item asked about. This question is answered using the same word order as shown below
substituting the number in for pila. Pila ka is also used with the work buok (literally meaning
“how many pieces”) and requests a number count.
Pila ka + object + ang phrase or sa phrase
Pila ka tawo sa inyong pamiliya? Pito ka tawo sa among pamiliya.

Pila ka buok ang mga mangga? Upat ka buok ang mga mangga.
Pila ka propeta sa ulahing adlaw? Kinse ka propeta sa ulahing adlaw.
Pila ka misyonaryo sa inyong klase? Napulo ka misyonaryo sa among klase.
The prefix tag- means each ______. If you were to prefix a number with tag- the result
would describe each of the number (tag-duha - two each, tag-napulo - ten each). This is common
for splitting up items with a group of people (i.e. tag-upat kita og mga bersukulo - ‘we have four
each of the verses’ or ‘we will each have four verses’).
Tagpila also means “how much” for a group or part of the whole. It is used with ang
phrases (not with the ka number marker).
Examples:
Tagpila ang usa ka mangga? Tagsiyete ang usa ka mango.

(How much is (one) mango?) (Each one mango is seven.)
Tagpila ang usa ka tawo sa dyipney? Tagbayte ang usa.
(How much for one person on the jeepney?) (Twenty each one.)

ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS AND TASTE
(GRAMMAR)
#10: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS AND TASTE
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use adjectives to describe objects

- Use adjectives to describe tastes
VOCABULARY TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS
VOCABULARY LIST 1
bago - new gahi - hard, solid dautan - evil
daan - old humok - soft bug-at - heavy
dako - big hugot - tight gaan - light
gamay - small lig-on - sturdy, firm mas / labing - more
taas - high, long luag - loose daghan - many
mubo - low nindot - very nice, great diyutay - little, small
barato - cheap bati - bad (amount)
VOCABULARY TO DESCRIBE TASTE
VOCABULARY LIST 2
lami - delicious maasin - salty pait - bitter

tamis - sweet aslum - sour

ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS AND TASTE
(GRAMMAR)

USING ‘TO B’
(GRAMMAR)
#11: USING ‘TO BE’ IN STATEMENTS AND QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use ‘ang’ to create ‘is, are, was, were’ statements

- Know how to use the nga marker
- Use the marker ‘ba’ to change statements into questions
- Understand the use of kayo and gayud
USING ANG FOR ‘TO BE’
As shown in CLO # 6, the third definition of Ang is ‘to be’ or is, are, was, were, etc.
There is no explicit Cebuano word that means ‘to be’, but the meaning is contained in the Ang
marker. There is a simple sentence structure to create ‘to be’ sentences. There are two things
needed for such a sentence: 1) an adjective or comment and 2) an Ang phrase. The comment
comes before the ang phrase (instead of ‘the church is true’ it is ‘true is the church’).
STRUCTURE FIGURE 1
comment + ang phrase
Examples of ‘to be’: (Note: tense is determined by the context of the sentence)
Tinuod ang simbahan. (The church is true.)

Maayo ang mga adlaw. (The days are good).
Malipay ang bata. (The child is happy.)
Dako ang misyon. (The mission is big.)
Daghan ang mga pangutana. (The questions are many.)
Hanas kamo! (You are masters!)
Buotan kaayo si Marcial. (Marcial is very nice.)
Misyonaryo kami. (We were missionaries.)
Mahal kana nga bugas. (That rice was expensive.)
Gahi kini nga saging. (This banana was hard.)

USING ‘TO BE’
(GRAMMAR)
THE NGA LINKER
The nga linker is used to connect adjectives to the nouns they describe. For an
description of a noun to make sense it must have the nga linker between the words. It is not
proper just to say “maayo buntag” for “good morning.” There must be a nga linking the
adjective to the noun, like “maayong buntag.” The nga is shortened to -ng following words that
end in a soft vowel (not a glottal catch vowel), a w, or a y. The nga is also sometimes
abbreviated to –g (still using the ‘nga’ sound) after words that end in ‘n’. Adjectives are also
linked to other adjectives if they both describe the noun.
Examples of NGA:
tinuod nga basahon - true book hugot nga pagtuo - tight belief (faith)
gamayng bata - small child nindot nga adlaw - great day
buhing propeta - living prophet bagong sapatos - new shoes
maayong hapon - good afternoon dakong simbahan - large church
iyang pagpamatuod - his/her testimony daghang tawo - many people
taas nga nindot nga lubi - tall, nice coconut tree among Langitnong Amahan - our Heavenly Father
The linker nga also connects two independent clauses or two complete sentences. It links
the two sentences together the same way the word “that” does it in English. This is sometimes
referred to as “the linker nga.” This “that” is not a demonstrative pronoun (kana, niana, etc.) but
one that links sentences.
Examples of Linker NGA:
Nasayud ako nga tinuod nga propeta si Joseph Smith.

(I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet.)
Giingnan sila nga magsugod ang klase sa buntag.
(They were told that the class will start in the morning.)
Maayo ang baruganan nga inyong gitudlo.
(The principle is good that you have taught.)
CEBUANO PARTICLE ORDER

In most sentences the “little” particles that are one syllable (e.g. ba, na, pa, lang, etc.)
come before the words with two (e.g. pronouns, gihapon, etc). This particle order almost always
falls between the verb and actor). To truly understand particle order, listen to the Filipinos as
they use them, then mimic their usage.
Examples:
Misyonaryo ba siya? (Is he a missionary?)

Misyonaryo ka ba? (Are you a missionary?)
Misyonaryo pa ka ba? (Are you still a missionary?)

USING ‘TO BE’
(GRAMMAR)
ASKING YES / NO QUESTIONS USING BA
In English we make a statement into a question by changing the word order and
intonation of the sentence (ex. The church is true. Is the church true?). But in Cebuano,
changing the word order will not make a statement into question. Cebuano statements are made
into questions by adding a ba question marker to the simple ‘to be’ structure learned above. Ba
can also be used to simply add emphasis to a statement (not changing it to a question).
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
comment + ‘ba’ ang phrase
Examples of using ‘ba’:
COMMENT + ‘BA’ + ANG PHRASE
Misyonaryo ba si Elder ________?

Maestro si Sister ________?
Amerikano/a ang misyonaryo?
Filipino/a ang maestro/a?
Gwapo ako?
Gwapa siya?
Combine the following subjects with various comments to form yes/no questions.
COMMENT + 'BA' + ANG PHRASE
Gwapo ba si Elder ________?

Lami ang pagkaon?
Amerikana si Sister ________?
Misyonaryo siya?
Sometimes just a rising inflection at the end of the sentences will change the statement to
a question. This is similar to the English question inflection (i.e. say out loud “Good morning?”
versus “Good morning.”)

USING ‘TO BE’
(GRAMMAR)
DILI - NOT
If a negation of an adjective is wanted then the word dili must be used. When used with
an adjective dili means ‘not-this’ description. When an adjective is negated, dili should be
considered as part of the adjective. This negative description then follows the previous two
sentence structures with a couple of exceptions. The following structures are generalizations, but
simple ones.
Dili + Comment + Ang Phrase It is not…
Dili maayo ang adlaw.

(The day is not good.)
Dili bakakon ang mga propeta
(The prophets are not liars.)
Dili + ba + Comment + Ang Phrase Is it not…?
Dili ba mahal ang bugas?

(Is the rice not expensive
Dili ba nindot ang Filipinas?
(Is not the Philippines great?)
Dili + Ang Pronoun + Comment He is not…
Dili siya taas.

(She is not tall.)
Dili kami kapoy.
(We are not tired.)
Dili + ba + Ang Pronoun + Comment Is he not…?
Dili ba sila mga maestro?

(Are they not teachers?)
Dili ba kita mga Visaya?
(Are we not Visayan?)
USING ‘TO BE’
(GRAMMAR)
KAAYO AND GAYUD
Emphasis is placed on nouns using the words kaayo and gayud. The effect of using these
words is similar to the usage of very, really, truly, etc. Kaayo usually means ‘very’ and gayud
usually means ‘really’.
Unlike English, they follow the word they are emphasizing (i.e. incorrect: ‘very good’
correct: ‘good very’). Gayud can also be used in emphasizing the actions of verbs. It is
pronounced in several ways including gyud, guid, dyud, gajud, jamo, etc.
Examples:
Maayo kaayo kining adlaw! Taas gayud ang mga Elder.

(This day is very good!) (The Elders are really tall.)
Tinuod kaayo ang Simbahan. Mingaw gayud ako sa Filipinas.
(The Church is very true.) (I really miss the Philippines.)
Diyutay kaayo lang kita. Kapoy gayud sila.
(We are only very few.) (They are reilly tired.)
Kusog kaayo ang Espiritu Santo. Buhi gayud si JesuKristo!
(The Holy Ghost is very strong.) (Jesus Christ is truly alive!)
ANSWERING YES / NO QUESTIONS
Answering Cebuano yes / no questions requires first an answer to the question, whether it
be an affirmative yes or a negative no. Then, if necessary, a clarifying statement may be made.
There are three logical ways to make clarifying statements in answering a Cebuano yes / no
question.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
Oo, (statement expressing the correct viewpoint).
Dili, (statement expressing the incorrect viewpoint).
Dili, (statement expressing the correct viewpoint).
QUESTION: RESPONSE:
Filipina ba si Sister Lim? Oo, Filipina si Sister Lim.

(Is Sister Lim a Filipina?) (Yes, Sister Lim is a Filipina.)
Dili, dili Filipina si Sister Lim.
(No, Sister Lim is not a Filipina.)
Dili, Amerikana si Sister Lim.
(No, Sister Lim is an American.

USING ‘TO BE’
(GRAMMAR)

TO HAVE / THERE IS
(GRAMMAR)
#12: TO HAVE / THERE IS (EXISTENTIAL)
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use aduna, may, and wala in sentences

- Answer “have” and “there are” questions
USING ADUNA, MAY, AND WALA IN SENTENCES
Existential Sentences:
Aduna, wala, and may are part of a small group of words called existential (or exist-ing)
verbs. They are used to express possession of something, “to have.” When the possessor is not
included in the sentences, the meaning can also mean "there is." They act like verbs in a
sentence but are not conjugated for tense. Existential sentence structure is broken into two parts.
The first structure is for aduna and wala, the second is for may.
USING ADUNA AND WALA
The first group of existential verbs uses the following sentence structure along with a new
linker “-y” (the explanation of “-y” will follow). These words indicate “there is” or possession
“to have.” Aduna and wala follow the same sentence structure.
aduna (duna) - There is (no location)

wala - There is none (no location)
“THERE IS / ARE” SENTENCE STRUCTURE
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
Exist. verb + ‘y + focus possession phrase (ang)
Examples of “there is / are”:

Aduna’y Basahon ni Mormon didto. (There is a Book of Mormon over there.)
Duna’y isda. (There is a fish.)
Aduna’y mga tawo. (There are people.)
Wala’y bagio? (There is no storm?)
Wala’y problema! (There is no problem!)
Wala’y pangutana. (There are no questions.)

TO HAVE / THERE IS
(GRAMMAR)
“TO HAVE” SENTENCE STRUCTURE
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
Exist. verb + pronoun (ang) + ‘y + specific possession phrase
Examples of “to have”:
Aduna sila’y sakyan. (They have a vehicle.)

Aduna ‘ko’y pangutana. (I have a question.)
Wala gayud siya’y kwarta! (She/he really has no money!)
Aduna pa ba kamo’y buhaton? (Do you all still just have things to do?)
Wala ka ba’y kauban? (Do you not have a companion?)
When using the existentials with a pronoun as the possessor, use the ang set of pronouns
(ako, siya, ka, kami, etc.) In these sentences, the one possessing is the focus and the possession
is marked as a non-specific noun. The non-specific possession is linked by the –y which moves
or “floats” to be directly in front of the word it is marking.
Correct: Aduna pa gihapon ako’y pagpamatuod sa simbahan! (The 'y goes directly in front of object)
Not: Aduna pa’y gihapon ako pagpamatuod sa simbahan! (Not in front somewhere random)
Aduna pa gihapo’y ako pagpamatuod sa simbahan!
THE –Y LINKER
The linker –y is a less-specific ‘to be’ marker. It can replace Ang in many situations
where “to be” is the meaning. It is similar to both Ang and Og is some respects; but it doesn’t
really care too much about focus and non-focus. All it wants to do is mark existence and link
words in a sentence. Its usage can be analogous to the nga-linker, but it is only used in ‘is, are,
was, were’ places. More on the “-y” linker can be found in the infield Cebuano study guide.
All the ang pronouns can attract the 'y, so can other modifying words.
ako ako’y ba ba’y

ka ka’y pa pa’y
siya siya’y pod po’y
kita kita’y gihapon gihapo’y
kamo kamo’y lang la’y
sila sila’y gayud gayu’y
(The pronoun kami accepts the ‘y but “kami’y” is not pronounced because the i sound at
the end overrides the ‘y sound. It is sometimes said kami’ng.)
‘y is also used with some interrogatives to replace Ang.
unsa ang unsa’y Unsa ang oras? Unsa’y oras?

kinsa ang kinsa’y Kinsa ang imong ngalan? Kinsa’y imong ngalan?
pila ang pila’y Pila ang bayad? Pila’y bayad?

TO HAVE / THERE IS
(GRAMMAR)
USING MAY
May has the same definition as aduna with no location. It has different sentence structure
than the other existential verbs. Because may has no “floating –y”, the possession is placed
directly after it and the ang pronoun follows the phrase.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 3
May + specific possession phrase + pronoun (ang)
Examples of May:
There is:
May manluluwas. (There is a savior.)
May pangutana? (Is there a question?)
May mga tawo sa balay. (There are people in the house.)
To have:
May pagpamatuod sila. (They have a testimony.)
May propeta kita. (We have a prophet.)
May bugas pa ba kita? (Do we still have rice?)
ANSWERING EXISTENTIAL QUESTIONS
Existential questions may be answered positively using either oo, the existential verb that
was used to ask the question, or the no-location aduna. To answer negatively, simple say wala
(dili means ‘no’ and is never used to answer existential sentences).
Aduna’y Sprite diha? May mga tawo sa balay?
Oo. Oo.
Aduna. Wala.
Duna ba kamo’y mga mangga? Wala ba’y pangutana?

Oo. Oo.
Duna. Wala.

TO HAVE / THERE IS
(GRAMMAR)

SENTENCE STRUCTURE
#13: SENTENCE STRUCTURE
OBJECTIVEFIGURE1
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON YU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

- Know the different sentence structures for all tenses and focus
- Use dili and wala in correct sentence structure
This section is an introduction to Cebuano sentence structure. This uses examples of

sentences that have not been discussed yet. This is intended as a guide for the upcoming
language objectives that will explain verb conjugation.
Cebuano sentence structure is varied and unpredictable. It is usually determined by the
speaker and the circumstances. The following is a very common way of speaking and will be
sufficient in many instances. This is not the only way to say it, but is will work in most speaking
situations.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 2
Verb + Actor + Object + Location
The verb-actor-object-location sentence structure works for actor focus, object focus, as
well as location focus. In VAOL the actor, object (and occasionally location) can be the focus or
the ang of the sentence. The location can include places, possessions, or other clarifications of
the sentence. It is important to note though that many times if a sentence location focus, the
location will come before the object. This would be the case with the last example. Si Inday
would come before sa ebanghelyo ni Kristo. It is usually a good practice to avoid making the
focus the last thing in the sentence.
Verb Actor Object Location
Magdula kami og basketball sa Simbahan
Dawaton ninyo ang ebanghelyo pinaagi sa bunyag.
Nakasabot ako sa inyong gisulti.
Gipaayo namo ang dyipney sa amoa.
Natudloan niya sa ebanghelyo ni Kristo si Inday.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE
STRUCTUREFIGURE2
Modifying Word + Actor + Verb + Object + Location
When sentences are used with any modifying words the actor and verb often switch
places, keeping the actor in the second word slot. Modifying words include dili, wala, the
interrogatives, the pseudo verbs, and some adjectives.
Modifying Word Actor Verb Object Location
Dili ako magsulod sa balay.

Wala nila basaha ang Basahon ni Mormon.
Kinahanglan ninyo tubagon ang pangutana diha sa klase.
Pwede kita mobalik sa atong Amahan.
Gusto siya motawag sa iyang higala.
Kanusa kamo magpabunyag?
Maayo gayud ka magtudlo og mga Discussions.
Dugay kaayo siya nagtindog sa karsada.
The actor almost always wants to stay in the second word column, even in long complex
sentences.
Dili siya gusto magpaminaw sa mga Elder tungod sa iyang problema sa beer.
Kanusa niya pwede lutoon ang karne para sa paniodto?
An exception to almost every sentence structure rule is when the ang of the sentence is
very long. Then the ang is placed at the beginning of the sentence to avoid confusion.
Ang Simbahan ni Jesukristo sa mga Santos sa Ulahing mga Adlaw gipahiuli ni Joseph
Smith sa 1830.

VERB STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
(GRAMMAR)
#14: VERB STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Understand the terms and definitions of the verb structure

- Learn how to determine the focus of the sentence
INTRODUCTION
Conjugated sentences are the basis of real communication. The principles and definitions
in the following lesson are crucial if one wishes to truly master Visayan. When one understands
the terms and definitions explained below, verb conjugation and forming complex sentence
becomes simple.
Cebuano verbs are very rich in meaning because of the great amount of information
stored in them. Cebuano verbs which express action contain a basic root which is only the name
of the action. By itself, it does not imply any kind of action until specific affixes have been put
in place. In English the word read is merely the name of the action. The word must have to,
will, is/are, has/have, etc. placed with it to form to read, will, is/are reading, has/have read, etc.
before it becomes an action.
Changing a Cebuano root word (name) into an action word (verb) requires consideration
of a few things. They include the definition of Focus, Actor, Object, Location, Transitive,
Ditransitive, Tense, and others.
FOCUS
The focus of the sentence is the “Ang” of the sentence. Each sentence or complete
though (with a conjugated verb) contains one ang. This ang word, pronoun, or phrase is the
most important part (focus) of the sentence, and when it is picked the rest of the sentence falls in
line and the conjugation of the entire sentence is determined. The selection of the ang governs
the entire sentence.
ACTOR
The actor is the noun “doing” the verb or the who of the verb. To find the actor in a
sentence, ask the question, “who is verbing?” (e.g. Mary Sue is reading the book to the child.
“Who is reading?” Mary Sue is the actor). The actor is not chosen by the speaker, but is part of
the sentence idea and situation.

(GRAMMAR)
OBJECT
An object in Cebuano sentences is the noun or noun phrase that is not an actor or a
location. It is the what of the sentence. To find an object in the sentence, ask the question,
“what is being verb-ed?” (e.g. Mary Sue is reading the book to the child. “What is being read?”
The book is the object.) The object fulfills the action of the verb.
LOCATION
A location of the sentence shows a direction or has a reference to a person receiving

action from the verb. It is the where of the sentence. To find a location in the sentence, ask the
question, “where is the verb acting?” (e.g. Mary Sue is reading the book to the child. “Where is
the reading acting?” The location is the child).
TRANSITIVE
Transitive and Ditransitive are very important concepts to understand how to correctly
conjugate verbs. The two terms are characteristics of the verb root or in other words, they
depend on the very nature of the verb.
A transitive verb is one whose action stops on an Object. It also can mean a verb that
does not need a Location (place or person) to fulfill its action. Examples of transitive verbs
include do, read, buy, receive, bring, eat, get, etc.
Ditransitive
An Ditransitive verb is one whose action continues past the Object onto the Location. It
is a verb that can act upon the Object and the Location. An Ditransitive verb needs a Location
(place or recipient person) to fulfill the nature of its action. Examples of Ditransitive verbs
include teach, write, help, bless, accompany, speak, say, share, show, explain, etc.
TENSE
In English grammar, verb tenses (past, present, and future) are used to show relative time
to the verb. In Cebuano, the time of the action is also referred to as tense. Tense shows whether
the action has started or not, and if it has started, whether it has been completed or is still
continuing. The three tenses are the following:
FUTURE: for action not started

PRESENT: for action started but not yet completed or action still in progress
PAST: for action started and ended
IMPERATIVE: for future-urgent, essential action not started (command form)

(GRAMMAR)
One other form of the verb is the INFINITIVE (or neutral form) which does not imply
any tense (i.e. the verb has no relation to time). It is the “to verb” form, such as: to sing, to do,
to eat, to write, to speak. It is not conjugated. Tense is conjugated differently according to the
focus and the kind of action that the verb implies.
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
Sometimes the terms active and passive voice are used to describe different types of
focus. An ACTIVE voice sentence is a sentence where the actor is the focus. A PASSIVE voice
sentence is one where the focus is not the actor. The remainder of the CLO will describe the
type of sentence with respect to its focus (i.e. actor focus, object focus, location focus, etc.)

VERB STRCTURE OVERVIEW
(GRAMMAR)

ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATION
(GRAMMAR)
#15: ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATION
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Conjugate actor focus verbs
buhat / himo - do, make limpyo - clean ingon - say
dawat - receive luto - cook sulti - speak
tubag - answer inom - drink kanta - sing
pangutana - ask kaon - eat hunahuna - think
pangayo - ask for abut - arrive gamit - use
dala - bring pa-ayo - fix duaw / bisita - visit
palit - buy sunod - follow hulat - wait
tawag - call basa - read istorya - talk
sabot - understand kuha - get, take baligya - sell
ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATIONS
Absolute Immediate Durational Ability/Potential
Future mo- mag- maga- maka-

(ga-) (ka-)
Present nag- naga-

(ga-)
Past ni- nag- naka-

(mi-) (ka-)
Imperative pag- pag-
Variants of the common conjugations are in parentheses.

(GRAMMAR)
When a speaker creates a sentence, a focus is chosen (see CLO# 13 for complete
explanation). If the actor is chosen to be the focus, then it is called Actor Focus (i.e. the focus
and the actor are the same word marked by ang). When in actor focus, the ang markers and
pronouns should be used with the actor set of verb conjugations. Below are the definitions of the
ang set of Actor Focus Verb Conjugations.
ABSOLUTE
Mo- will do ___________ (absolute future)

Ni- did do ___________ (absolute past)
Mo- and Ni- both describe undefined action where mo-shows an action that usually has
not started at the time of speaking and mi- shows an action that has usually been completed at the
time of speaking (e.g. usually means ________ will happen in future (mo-), or ________ did
happen in the past (ni-)).
These forms are also used to show singular actions. These actions are ones that are
planned and which happen all at one time or an action that was completed all at one time
(sometimes referred to as “come into state of being”).
The mo-conjugations also mean a regular, a semi-habitual, or some action done

commonly by the actor.
Examples:
Mokaon kami inigabut ni tatay. -We will eat when dad arrives home. (sometimes future).
Modala sila sa mga basahon kon moabot sila. - They will bring the books (if) when they will arrive
(undefined).
Nitawag siya sa ato. - She called us (sometimes past).
Singular:
Nitubag ka sa akong pangutana. - You answered my question.
Nipalit ako nianang polo. - I bought that shirt.
Molimpyo ang mga misyoneryo sa ilang kwarto. The missionaries will clean their room.
Habitual:
Mosunod ako sa atong Manluluwas. - I will follow our Savior (regularly).
Mokaon ka ba og baboy? - Do you eat pork (regularly, not will you eat pork here now)?
Maayo lagi ka mobinisaya! - You really speak Visayan well (habitually)!

(GRAMMAR)
IMMEDIATE
Mag- will do _______ (immediate future)

Nag- did do / doing _______ (immediate past/present)
Mag and nag- describe immediate or happening actions that last longer than just
momentary. The action is happening or will happen about the same time as the speaking. Also
used with verbs meaning “to be in the state” mag- often means the action will immediately
follow the statement. Mag- can denote an action that was future but passes slightly into present.
Nag- can mean that the action is presently continuing or existing. It can also mean the action has
just finished at about the time of speaking.
Examples:
Immediate Future:
Magkanta ug mangampo kita. - We will sing and pray.
Magbasa kita sa Basahon ni Mormon. - We will read the Book of Mormon.
Magkuha sila og mga sulat. - They will get some letters.
Immediate Present:
Naghunahuna siya mahitungod sa tubag niya. - He is thinking about his answer.
Naglimpyo ka sa imong sakyan. - You are cleaning your vehicle.
Nagdala kami og mga bata didto. - We are bringing children there.
Immediate Past:
Nagluto sila og manok. - They cooked chicken.
Nagbisita siya sa iyang igsoon. – She visited her sister.
Nagsunod lang ako ‘niya! - I just followed him!
Mo- and Mi- versus Mag- and Nag-

Examples:
Mobasa ba kamo sa Basahon ni Mormon? - Will you read the Book of Mormon? (Undefined absolute
future - in a commitment)
Magbasa ba kamo sa Basahon ni Mormon? - Will you read the Book of Mormon? (Immediately - in a
verse during a discussion)
Moinom ako og Sprite! - I will drink Sprite! (I will drink Sprite - Regularly)
Maginom ako og Sprite! - I will drink Sprite! (I will drink Sprite - Now, I want a Sprite)
Nitawag siya sa ato. - He called us. (undefined past)

Nagtawag siya sa ato. - He called us. or He is calling us. (immediate past/present)

(GRAMMAR)
ABILITY (or POTENTIAL)
Maka - can / able to do __________ (ability future)

Naka- can / able to do ___________ (ability past)
Maka- and naka- are used to denote ability of action, or the capability to do the action.
They are absolute future and past, with no present tense. They also mean “have an opportunity
to” or have the chance to do the action. Occasionally, maka- and naka- also mean to
“accidentally do (or did)” an action or verb.
Examples:
Ability:
Makasabot ba kamo sa akong mga pulong? - Can (are able to) you understand my words?
Makabisita siya sa Templo ugma. - He is able to visit the Temple tomorrow.
Makabasa ka ba? - Can you read? (literate, or eyesight)
Nakakita ba sila niana? - Did they (able to) see that?

Nakadala kami sa among iro. - We had the opportunity to bring our dog.
Nakapalit ako sa akong sapatos. - I had the opportunity (was able to) buy my shoes.
Accidental:
Nakainom ako og Zonrox! - I accidentally drank Zonrox (bleach)!
Nakalimot siya sa iyang papel. - He forgot (accidentally) his paper.
IMPERATIVES (ACTOR FOCUS)
Imperative verb conjugation denotes an urgent, instant, or immediate action. This is

sometimes referred to as a command. Imperative actor focus verbs are made by simply using the
root verb by itself or by adding the prefix pag-.
Dala kamo og kan-on. Or this Pagdala kamo og kan-on
(Bring some rice)
NEGATING ACTOR FOCUS
These verb conjugations can be negated (“We will read.” to “We will not read.” or “We
did not read.”) using dili and wala. As learned earlier dili and wala have the same meaning “no”
but for different tense.
Dili - no, future tense, such as “will not _____”

Wala - no, past tense, such as “did not _____”
These two words are all that is necessary to negate a sentence. The conjugation is pretty
much irrelevant, only dili and wala matter. The MAVOL sentence structure is used with
negation, where the M stands for modifying words such as dili and wala.

(GRAMMAR)
The verb conjugations used in these examples are future tense (mag-, mo-, maka-). The
past tense (ni-, nag-, naka-) are not used in negating sentences. An English examples is “We did
not eat.” Even in English the verb is still in future tense ‘eat’ (present - eating, past – ate). You
shouldn’t use dili and wala with a past tense conjugation.

(GRAMMAR)

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
#16: OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Conjugate object focus verbs

VOCABULARY LISTFIGURE1
pili - choose dagan - run panalangin - bless
balik - return lingkod - sit biya - leave (a place)
padayon - continue tindog - stand tudlo - teach / point
mata - wake up lakaw - walk sugot - allow
hatag - give simba - worship bati - feel
tabang - help sulat - write andam - prepare
usab - change kita - see tanaw - look
When a speaker chooses an Object to be the focus of the sentence (see CLO#13 for
complete explanation), then the sentence becomes Object Focus. When the focus of the sentence
in not the actor then the verb-type (either Transitive or Ditransitive) becomes extremely
significant. Object focus is broken up into two sets of conjugations. One is for transitive verbs
with another for Ditransitive verbs.
OBJECT FOCUS
TRANSITIVE VERB CONJUGATIONS
Immediate / Absolute Ability
Future -on (-hon) ma-
Present gina-
Past gina-
Imperative -a (-ha)

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
With object focus (for either transitive or Ditransitive verbs), the Og/Sa set of pronouns
and markers are used. The focus, which is the Object, receives the action of the sentence and
answers the question What (see CLO #13 for complete-explnation).
The actor of the sentence is either an Og actor-pronoun (nako, nimo, etc.) or a Sa marker.
The following are the definitions of the object focus verb conjugations for transitive verbs.
IMMEDIATE / ABSOLUTE (Transitive)
-on (-hon) will do __________ (future)

gi- did do __________ (past / present)
The -on and gi- conjugations unite the definitions of mo-, mag- and mi-, nag-,
respectively. Essentially, -on combines the definitions of mo- and mag- as a future tense,
undefined action, either immediate or absolute. The –on conjugation is used only with transitive
verbs.
Gi- also involves a combination of the ni- and nag-, past / present tense, undefined,
immediate action. (Note: As with possessives and nouns, the Og actor-pronouns may go before
or after the verb following the rules in CLO#7). Context, along with other modifying words, will
help to determine if gi- means past or present.
Examples:
Dawaton nako ang kwarta. - I will accept the money.

Dad-on (from dala-on) nila ang mga basahon. - They will bring the books.
Kuhaon nila ang mga sulat. - They will get the letters.
Atong basahon ang Basahon ni Mormon. - We will read the Book of Mormon.
Gidala namo ang mga bata didto. - We are bringing the children there.
Giluto niya ang manok. - He cooked the chicken.
Iyang gihunahuna ang tubag niya. - He is thinking about his answer.
Gibuhat nila ang pagtuon. - They did their studies.
When a verb ends with a soft, non-accented vowel (e.g. basa - read, samba - worship) the
-on is replaced with -hon for easier pronunciation (i.e. basahon, simbahon).
IMPERATIVE (Transitive)
Object focus transitive verbs are made imperative (sometimes called a command) by
using the alternate –a. Only future tense verbs are used for non-actor focus imperatives.
Transitive object focus verbs which accept -on will alternate to -a.
-on → -a
Cebuano Language Object

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS (GRAMMAR)
Imperative Non-imperative
Kuha-a nimo kana. Kuhaon nimo kana.

(Let me look at that.) (I will look at that.)
Dawata ang Espiritu Santo. Dawaton nimo ang Espiritu Santo.
(Receive the Holy Ghost.) (You will receive the Holy Ghost.)
Buhata kini! Buhaton kini.
(Do this [you]!) ([You] will do this.)
Basaha ninyo kana. Basahon ninyo kana.
(You read this.) (You will read this.)
These imperatives can also be used with the word ayaw, meaning do not or don’t, and
often with the Og marker.
Ayaw buhata! Ayaw kana og basaha!

(Don’t do (that)!) (Don’t read that!)
ABILITY (Transitive)
ma- can/able to do __________ (ability future)

na- can/able to do __________ (ability future)
Ma- and na- are used in the same way as maka- and naka-, to denote ability of action, or
the capability to do the action. These two also mean “have an opportunity to” do the action.
These are also often used when “something happens to” the focus, either accidentally or by
choice.
Examples:
Mabasa ba nimo ang basahon? - Can you read the book?

Atong mabuhat kini. - We can do this.
Maluwas kita ni JesuKristo. - We can be saved of Jesus Christ.
Nakita ba nimo kana? - Did you see that?
Nabanhaw ang tanan nga mga tawo. - All the people were resurrected.
Nadala namo ang among iro. - We were able to bring our dog.
Nahulog siya. - She fell (accidentally).
The majority of verbs are transitive, therefore -on will be used much more than i-. The
following section describes the conjugation of Ditransitive verbs.

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
OBJECT FOCUS
Ditransitive VERB CONJUGATIONS
Future i- ma-
Present gina-
Past gina-
Imperative i-
When the verb of the object focus sentence is Ditransitive, then the above conjugations
are used. Please note that the only change is that –on (and its imperative –a) has been replaced
with i-. All of the definitions for Immediate / Absolute as well as for Ability are the same as
with transitive verbs.
Again, the only difference is that the verb used is Ditransitive. The definitions are the
same for each case so only a few examples are given.
IMMEDIATE / ABSOLUTE (Ditransitive)
i- will do __________ (future)

gi- did do __________ (past / present)
Examples:
Itudlo nato ang ebanghelyo sa ilaha. - We will teach the gospel to them.
Ihatag nila ang gasa sa Espiritu sa mga tawo. - They will give the gift of the Spirit to the people.
Gipaambit nako ang akong pagpamatuod sa ila. - I shared my testimony to them.

Gisulat sa mga propeta ang mga pulong sa Dios. - The prophets wrote the words of God.

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
IMPERATIVE (Ditransitive)
Object focus Ditransitive verbs are made imperative (sometimes called a command)
through voice inflection only. There is no other change in conjugation as the i- remains the
same.
i- → i-
Examples:
Itudlo kini sa iya! - Teach this to her!
Ihatag ‘na ‘ron. - Give that now!
Isulat ang imong istoryia. - Write your story.
NEGATING OBJECT FOCUS (for either transitive or Ditransitive)
For future tense negation, simple use the MAVOL sentence structure and the negator dili.
As in actor focus, the future tense conjugation is used with dili (so -on (or i-) and ma- are
used).
Ditransitive past tense negation also follows the same rules as actor focus. There is a
slight difference for negation of transitive verbs. For immediate / absolute conjugation, the
imperative suffixes are used when negating in the past tense (these imperatives are also used
after other words (i.e. kanusa, human, etc.) that are not discussed here).
Ability negation for both transitive and Ditransitive is the same as in actor focus.
Examples:
Transitive Will not Did not

Immediate/ Dili nako buhaton. Wala nako buhata. (NOT: Wala nako buhaton.)
Absolute (I will not do (it). (I did not do (it).)
Dili nimo dawaton Wala nimo dawata. (NOT: Wala nimo dawaton.)
(You will not receive.) (You did not receive.)
Ability Dili niya mabasa. Wala niya mabasa.

(She can not read.) (She was not able to read.)
Dili nato mainom kini. Wala nato mainom kini.
(We can not drink this.) (We were not able to drink this.)
Ditransitive Will not Did not
Immediate/ Dili nimo ihatag. Wala nimo ihatag.

Absolute (You will not give.) (You did not give.)
Dili nila isulat. Wala nila isulat.
(They will not write.) (They did not write.)
Ability Dili nato masulti. Wala nato masulti.

(We can not speak.) (We were not able to speak.)
Dili ninyo matudlo sa ila. Wala ninyo matudlo sa ila.
(You can not teach them.) (You were not able to teach them.)

OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
The majority of negative, past tense, object focus sentences will use the Ability form (e.g.
wala and ma-). Only when the action was explicitly undone will the speaker use the imperative
suffix.
COMPARISON OF ACTOR FOCUS AND OBJECT FOCUS.
The * denotes an actor, a bold word indicates an ang/focus, an underlined word is an

object, and an italicized word is a location.
Transitive:
* They can receive an answer

Ang/focus
They Makadawat *sila og tubag. - Actor Focus
Answer Madawat *nila ang tubag. - Object Focus

Ang/focus *We read the Book of Mormon at Church
We Nagbasa *kami sa Basahon ni Mormon sa Simbahan. - Actor Focus
Book of Gibasa *namo ang Basahon ni Mormon sa Simbahan. - Object Focus

Mormon
Ditransitive:
Ang/focus Will *you give that book to them?
You Maghatag ba *kamo niana nga basahon sa ila? - Actor Focus
Book Ihatag ba *ninyo kana nga basahon sa ila? - Object Focus

LOCATION FOCUS VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
#17: LOCATION FOCUS VERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Recognize the difference between object focus and location focus

- Use location focus verbs in sentences
sugod - begin tigum - gather saad - promise
tuo - believe pangita - look for bilin - leave (something)
hugas - wash bayad - pay bahlin - move
ampo - pray butang - put pahayag - enlighten
puasa - fast luwas - save sakay - ride
alagad - serve/minister angkon - claim lahutay - endure
kat-on - learn laum - hope hisgut - discuss
LOCATION FOCUS VERB CONJUGATIONS
Future -an (-han) ma- -an

Present gi- -an na- -an
Past gi- -an na- -an
Imperative -i (-hi)
When the speaker choses a Location to be the focus of the sentence, then the sentence
becomes Location Focus. Again, when the focus of the sentence in not the actor then the verb-
type (either Transitive or Ditransitive) becomes extremely significant.
In location focus sentences, the type of verb used determines the meaning of the sentence.
Unlike object focus, there aren’t different conjugations for transitive and Ditransitive verbs, but
each type of verb carries a different meaning when used in the sentence.
Remember, like Object Focus verbs, the Og actor pronouns or the Sa marker are used to
designate the actor (also, as with possessives and nouns, the Og pronouns may go before or after
the verb following the rules in CLO#7).

(GRAMMAR)
LOCATION FOCUS (Ditransitive)
Before continuing, please review the definition of Location in CLO#5. The question
Where? Is answer with the Location. When this location can be the focus then the following
conjugations are used. When an Ditransitive verb is used in location focus, it means that the
verb happens to the Location.
NON-ABILITY
-an will do __________ (future - action happens to Location-focus)

gi- -an did do __________ (past)
The -an and gi- -an conjugations also merge the definitions of mo-, mag- and mi-, nag-,
respectively. The -an is future tense action and gi- -an means past/present tense action where the
focus is the location and the verb is Ditransitive.
Examples:
Tudloan namo siya sa ebanghelyo ni JesuKristo. - We will teach (to) him the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hatagan niya si Jun-Jun og saging. - She will give (to) Jun-Jun a banana.
Iyang tabangan kita sa mga pagsulay. - He will help us in trials.
Gipanalanginan ako sa Manluluwas. - I have been blessed by the Savior.

Gitudloan niya ang mga bata sa eskwelahan. - She have taught the children in school.
Gihatagan kami nila og mga mangga. - They gave us some mangos.
Note: as with -on to -hon, if the verb ends in a soft, non-accented vowel (e.g. sulti) the -an is
replaced with -han for easier pronunciation (sultihan).
ABILITY
ma- -an can/able to __________ (ability future - focus is the Location)

na- -an can/was able to __________(ability past)
Ma- -an and na- -an are also used in the same way as maka- and naka- to denote ability,
capability, opportunity, or accidental action. When these are used with an Ditransitive verb, the
sentence again means that the verb is happening to the Location.
Examples:
Magiyahan nako siya. - I will guide her.

Matudloan ba ninyo ang mga Filipino? - Can you teach the Filipinos?
Matabangan nimo ang mga misyonario sa pagtudlo. - You will help the missionaries to teach.
Natabangan ba nimo ang mga tigulang? - Were you able to help the elderly people?
Natudloan ninyo sila sa ikaduhang hiskutanan. - You were able to teach them the second discussion.
Nahatagan niya ang bata og bola. - She was able to give the child a ball.

(GRAMMAR)
LOCATION (BENEFACTOR) FOCUS (Transitive)
When a transitive verb is used in location focus the meaning of the sentence changes
greatly. Instead of meaning that the verb happens to the Location, it now means that the action
happens for the Location. This conjugation is used somewhat rarely, but it is very useful (and
confusing if not understood correctly). This is often referred to as Benefactor Focus.
NON-ABILITY
-an will do __________ (future - action happens for Location-focus)

gi- -an did do __________ (past)
The -an and gi- -an conjugation again merge the definitions of mo-, mag- and mi-, nag-,
respectively. The -an is future tense action and gi- -an means past/present tense action where
the focus is the location and the verb is transitive.
Examples:
Buhatan namo siya niana. - We will do that for him.

Tukuran niya sila og balay. - She will build for them a house.
Gilutoan niya si Jun-Jun og “Lucky Me”. - He cooked “Lucky Me” for Jun-Jun.
Gipalitan ninyo ang bata og bolpen. - You bough a pen for the child.
ABILITY
ma- -an can/able to __________ (ability future - focus is the Location)
na- -an can/was able to __________(ability past)
Ma- -an and na- -an are also used in the same way as maka- and naka- to denote ability,
capability, opportunity, or accidental action. When these are used with a transitive verb, the
sentence means that the verb is happening for the Location.
Examples:
Matukuran ninyo sila og eskwelahan. - You can build a school for them.
Madad-an ba nimo ang sakop og sakramento? - Will you be able to bring the sacrament for the member?
Napalitan ba nimo ang bata og bugas? - Were you able to buy rice for the child?
Inyong nabuhatan sila niana. - You were able to that for them.

(GRAMMAR)
IMPERATIVE (for either transitive or Ditransitive)
Location focus verbs (both Ditransitive and transitive) are made imperatively by using
the alternate -i. Only future tense verbs are used for non-actor focus imperatives. Location focus
verbs which accept -an will then alternate to -i when they are used imperatively.
-an → -i
Imperative Non-imperative
Hatagi ako niana. Hatagan ako niana.

(Give me that.) (I will be given that.)
Tabani kami sa mga pagsulay Tabanan kami sa mga pagsulay.
([You] Help us in our trials.) ([You] will help us in our trials.)
Panalagini siya! Panalaginan siya.
(Bless him!) (He will be blessed.)
These imperatives can also be used with the word ayaw, meaning do not or don’t, and
often with the Og marker.
Ayaw sila og tudloi! Ayaw siya og hatagi!

(Don’t teach them!) (Don’t give him [something]!)
NEGATING LOCATION FOCUS (for either transitive or Ditransitive)
As with object focus, location focus uses the MAVOL sentence structure and the negator
dili. Same as before, use the future tense conjugation with dili (so -an and ma- -an are used).
For any location focus conjugations (Ditransitive, transitive, ability, immediate, etc.) the
imperative suffixes are used when negating in the past tense. This means that the two
imperative conjugations (-i and ma-) are used with wala.
Examples:
Immediate/ Dili nako tudloan. Wala nako tudloi. (NOT: Wala nako tudloan.)
Absolute (I will note teach (to him).) (I did not teach (to him).)
Dili siya hatagan. Wala siya hatagi. (NOT: Wala siya hatagan.)
(He will not be given.) (He was not given.)
Ability Dili siya mabunyagan nimo. Wala siya mabunyag nimo.

(She can not be baptized by you.) (She was not able to be baptized by you.)
Dili nato masabtan kini. Wala nato masabti kini.
(We can not understand this.) (We were not able to understand this.)

(GRAMMAR)
Again, the majority of negative, past tense, object focus sentences will use the Ability
form (e.g. wala and ma-). Only when the action was explicitly undone will the speaker use the
imperative suffix.
COMPARISON OF ACTOR FOCUS, OBJECT FOCUS, AND LOCATION FOCUS
The * denotes an actor, a bold word indicates an ang/focus, an underlined word is an

object, and an italicized word is a location.
Ditransitive VERB:
Ang/focus *We will teach the first discussion to Inday.

We Magtudlo *kami sa primerong hisgutanan kang Inday.-Actor Focus
Discussion Itudlo *namo ang primerong hisgutanan kang Inday.-Object Focus
Inday Tudloan *namo si Inday sa primerong hisgutanan.-Location Focus
TRANSITIVE VERB:
Ang/focus *We brough a Book of Mormon for Ondoy.
We Nagdala *kami og Basahon ni Mormon kang Ondoy.-Actor Focus
B ni M Gidala *namo ang Basahon ni Mormon kang Ondoy.-Object Focus
Ondoy Gidadan *namo si Ondoy og Basahon ni Mormon.-Location (Benefactor)

(GRAMMAR)

INTERROGATIVES
(GRAMMAR)
#18: INTERROGATIVES
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Ask and respond to interrogative questions

- Learn the different aspects of When and Where
- Learn the differences of the Cebuano How
Usually, questions are asked to obtain information. These types of questions are asked
will the help of interrogatives. Interrogatives are usually a word that, when used in a question,
will require an explanation to answer.
VOCABULARY LIST1
unsa - what asa - where (future) tungod sa - because of
kinsa - who hain - where (location, kay - for, because
ngano - why present) para / alang - for
kanusa - when diin - where (past) aron - so that, in order to
sa panahon nga, sa diha nga - tungod kay - because kang kinsa - whose, to whom
in the time that… samtang - while, when sa - location marker
kon - if, when
Unsa means "what." When using unsa in a question, the following pattern is commonly
used:
Unsa ang phrase? (Note: Unsa is always followed by an ang or its equivalent)
Unsa ang imong trabaho? Panday ang akong trabaho.

Unsa ang imong gibuhat? Nagbasa ra ako.
Kinsa is a question word that asks "who." Kinsa is followed by an ang phrase and is
answered by using si or another ang phrase.
Kinsa + (ang phrase)?
Kinsa ang district leader? Si Elder ________ ang district leader.

Kinsa siya? Si Elder ________.
Kinsa naghatag niana sa imo? Ang buotan nga misyonaryo.

INTERROGATIVES
(GRAMMAR)
Kang Kinsa is used to ask "Whose or to whom" questions in Cebuano. They can be
answered with either og or sa pronouns and markers.
Kang kinsa kining Kodak? Kang Ann Ann.

Kang kinsa kanang bolpen? Sa iya man'ang bolpen.
Kang kinsa ang basahon? Sa atong tanan ang basahon.
Kanusa is used to ask interrogative “when” questions (when is this?). It is used when an
action or event takes place. For a specific time, however, use “what time?” or “Unsa ang oras?
Kanusa ang piyesta?

Kanusa ka moadto sa Pilipinas?
Kon (if) is used as “when” for non-interrogative (when we read we feel…) future states.
Kon mosunod ka…- When you follow…

Kon makadawat sila sa…- When they receive the…
Samtang (while) is used as “when” for non-interrogative (during our reading…) present
states.
Samtang magbasa ka…-When you read…

Samtang maghulat sila sa…-When they wait for…
Sa diha nga literally means “in/at the time that” and is also a non-interrogative “when”
used for transitions (Sa panahon nga can also be used occationally).
Sa diha nga nia pa si JesuKristo sa kalibutan - When Jesus Christ was here on earth
Sa diha nga nageskwela siya - When she was in school
Ngano questions ask reasons "why" something is done or why it happened. They are
usually answered with tungod kay.
Ngano’ng moadto ka sa Cebu? Tungod kay…

Ngano man bugoy siya?
Tungod kay, (because), is followed by a sentence, complete with subject and verb.
Tungod sa, (because of), is a sa phrase and can be a prepositional phrase or begin a new
sentence. Kay is an abbreviated version of tungod kay and means because or for (e.g. Kay
niining katuyoan - For this purpose). It can be a linker or a modifying word in a complete
sentence.

INTERROGATIVES (GRAMMAR)
Man is an emphasizer that can be used with all the interrogatives and is commonly used
with ngano. This is not limited, however, to just these words, but can be used with nouns and
verbs for further emphasis.
unsa man ngano man Magtudlo man siya sa Cebuano.

kinsa man kanusa man Maayo man ang iyang gibuhat.
asa man hain man Buotan man ka!
diin man unsaon man Dako man ang inyong bola.
HOW
Cebuano has a few different ways to say how for many, different situations. There is not
one distinct “how” that covers all of the definitions of the English how. They are broken up into
different words and phrases as follows.
KUMUSTA
Kumusta is used to ask how anything is or to inquire to the condition of anything (i.e.
how is…? or how are…?). It is always followed by an ang phrase which is the thing being
inquired about.
Kumusta + ang phrase

Kumusta ka? - How are you (sing.)?
Kumusta kamo? - How are you (plural)?
Kumusta ang imong adlaw? - How is your day?
Kumusta ang among gihimo? - How are our doings?
Kumusta si Brod Rhett? - How is Brother Rhett?
UNSA KA
The word unsa combined with the verba ka- denotes a comparison or “to what extent” is
something (e.g. how fast is it, how large is he, how long is this, etc.). They are used with the
adjective following the ka- prefix (sometimes attached to the word sometimes not). They may be
answered with an actual measurement of what extent or by using other demonstratives.
Unsa ka + adjective + ang phrase
Unsa ka dugay ang atong klase? - How long (time) is our class?
Unsa ka dako ang inyong branch? - How big is your branch?
Unsa kanindot ang adlaw? - How lovely was the day?
Unsa katinuod ang ebanghelyo! - How true the gospel is!

UNSAON AND GIUNSA
These two how words are really conjugated verbs with unsa as the root. Literally they
are object focus verbs meaning “what (unsa) will be done” or “what was done.” They both mean
how something is done. Being conjugated verbs, both of these have interesting sentence
structure using the following pattern.
Because unsaon and giunsa are non-actor focus verbs, they use the og pronouns as the
actors. The focus of these sentences depends on the type of verb.
For a transitive verb, the focus is the thing that is being acted upon by the “how”
sentence. It is marked by Ang after the two verbs are used. The secondary, modifying verb is in
the infinitive pag- (thus following normal sentence structure when one conjugated, verb has
already been used). A sa marker should be included (but is usually omitted) before the infinitive
pag-. Unsaon is future tense how and giunsa is past tense how.
Unsaon + og pronoun + (sa) pag- “verb” + ang “thing being acted upon”
Giunsa + og pronoun + (sa) pag- “verb” + ang “thing being acted upon”
Unsaon nato pagampo? - How do we pray?

Unsaon ninyo pagtuon og Cebuano? - How will you study Cebuano?
Giunsa niya pagtubag ang mga pagampo. - How he answers prayers.

Giunsa nimo pagluto kini, ‘day? - How did you cook this Inday?
For an Ditransitive verb, there is no outright focus stated in the sentence. There is an
ang in the sentence, but because an Ditransitive verb needs an object and a location, the affected
noun in the sentence usually defaults to the location (and a Sa is used). The tense remains the
same, just “the thing being acted upon” category changes. In an Ditransitive sentence, a Sa is
used to show location.
Unsaon + og pronoun + (sa) pag- “verb” + sa “thing being acted upon”

Giunsa + og pronoun + (sa) pag- “verb” + sa “thing being acted upon”
Unsaon nato pagtudlo kanila? - How do we teach them?

Unsaon ba ninyo pagtabang sa mga Filipino? - How will you help the Filipinos?
Giunsa niya pagpanalangin sa mga tawo. - How he blesses people.

Giunsa nila pagsulti kang Joseph? - How did they speak to Joseph?

SA UNSA NGA PAAGI
The prahse sa unsang paagi literally means “in what way” and can replace unsaon or
giunsa in some instances and is used as a preposition in normal sentence structure (i.e. an ang
with a conjugated verb). It can be either past or future tense and be followed by either actor
focus or non-actor focus conjugation.
Unsaon nako pagbuhat kana? - How can I do that?

Sa unsang paagi, makabuhat ako niana? - In what way (how) can I do that?
Sa unsang paagi, buhaton nako kana? - In what way (how) can I do that?
Giunsa nimo pagkadawat ang ebanghelyo? - How did you receive the Gospel?
Sa unsang paagi nakadawat ka sa ebanghelyo? - In what way did you receive the gospel?
Sa unsang paagi nadawat nimo ang ebanghelyo? - In what way did you receive the gospel?
PILA
Pila is used to ask how much anything is for price and for other numeric counting reasons
(see CLO #8 for a complete explanation).
QUESTION ANSWER
Pila + ang phrase + sa phrase Number + ang phrase + sa phrase
Pila _____________ sa _____________ ?

kamo kwarto Unum kami sa kwarto.
ang mga misyonaryo MTC Tulo ka libo ang mga misyonaryo sa MTC.
kamo inyong pamiliya Walo kami sa among pamiliya.
ang bugas tindahan beynte sais ang kilo.
WHERE
Asa, hain, and diin. In English, the word "where" asks for the location of any action,
person, or thing. In Cebuano, there are three words that ask "where," each with a different tense
and meaning:
Asa is used for asking questions about where future actions or events take place.
Asa man kita mag-basket? - Where will we (play) basketball?

Asa kini nato paliton? - Where will we buy this?
Hain is used for asking the location of objects in the present.
Hain man ang akong bola? - Where is my ball?

Hain ang imong nanay? - Where is your mom?
Diin is used for asking questions about where actions or events took place in the past.
Diin ka nagkaon gahapon? - Where did you eat yesterday?

Diin nimo nakuha kana? - Where were you able to get that?
WHERE CHART
WHERE ASA HAIN DIIN

Location Future Tense Present Tense Past Tense Non-Time “Unto”
HERE1 ari a dia diri diri ngari
HERE2 anhi a nia dinhi dinhi nganhi
THERE1 anha a naa diha diha nganha
THERE2 adto a tua didto didto ngadto
The Sa locations are classified as ‘where words’ as they are correlate to the three where
questions asa, hain, and diin. We will discuss the different meanings of each column.
FUTURE
The future tense locations ari, anhi, anha, and adto are used as verbs of motion meaning
“to come” and “to go”. They can be conjugated and used as normal verbs. When these words
are conjugated, they are never used with Locations from a different HERE or THERE row (e.g.
adto is not used with dinhi, anhi is not used with diha, and anha is not used with diri, etc.). These
future tense locations can also be used to answer asa questions.
Examples:
Moadto kita sa Cebu! - We will go to Cebu!

Naganhi siya dinhi gahapon. – She came here yesterday.
Mianha sila diha sa una. - They went there a before.
Q: Asa kita magtudlo? A: Adto.

(Where will we teach?) (Over there. - future)
Asa man nila kuhaon kini? Ari.
(Where will they get this? (Here. - future)
Asa ka magpalit? Anha lang.
(Where will you buy?) (Just right there. – future)

PRESENT
The present tense locations can answer the hain question with “here” or “there” in the
present tense.
More than that, these words also take on existential qualities and can be used in the same
way as aduna and wala (review CLO#11). They accept the floating -y and follow the same
sentence structure as taught before. These words take on their HERE and THERE locations as
well as the “there is/to have” definitions. The first letter ‘a’ is usually dropped when they are
used in this manner, but it is often included for use in the “there is” definition.
dia - Here is (HERE1)

nia - Here is (HERE2) vs. aduna, may - There is (no location)
naa - There is (THERE1) wala - There is none (no location)
tua - There is (THERE2)
Note: For the There is/To have definition, naa is used much more than dia, nia, or tua and has
become similar to aduna in meaning (with no location).
Examples:
Q: Hain ang akong kauban? A: Naa diha.

(Where is my companion?) (Right there. - present tense)
Hain ang iyang bolpen? Nia man.
(Where is his pen?) (Here. - present tense)
There is / are:
Nia’y Basahon ni Mormon. (Here is a Book of Mormon [here].)

Naa’y isda. (There is fish [there].)
Tua’y mga tawo. (There are people [over there].)
To have:
Naa ko’y pangutana? (I have a question [there].)

Naa pa ba kamo’y buhaton? (Do you all still just have things to do [here]?)
Naa ka ba’y kauban? (Do you have a companion [there]?)

PAST
The past tense locations diri, dinhi, diha, and didto are used in the same way that “here”
and “there” are used in English. They answer the past tense diin questions.
These words can also denote a non-time meaning where no time is needed.
Examples:
Q: Diin nimo gipalit kini? A: Diha lang.

(Where did you buy this?) (Just there. - past tense)
Diin kamo mibisita? Didto sa Bohol.
(Where did you visit?) (There in Bohol. - past tense)
Diin sila nangkaon? Dinhi sa Scooby’s.
(Where did they eat?) (Here at Scooby’s. - past tense)
In the Philippines, facial expressions accompany these demonstrative pronouns to show

physical distance instead of using a pointing finger. HERE1 and HERE2 have no obvious facial
expressions. The chin may be used to point to things or places in THERE1. Both the chin and
the lips may be used to point to things or places in THERE2. (Teacher will demonstrate.)

ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NATURE, SMELL, SOUND, AND COLOR
(SYL)
#19: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NATURE, SMELL, SOUND AND COLOR
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use adjectives to describe nature

- Use adjectives to describe smell
- Use adjectives to describe sound
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING NATURE
linaw - calm basa - wet dali - short (time)

tugnaw - cold ngitngit - dark ulan-on - rainy
init - hot dugay - long (time) mahangin - windy
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING SMELL
humot - good baho - bad
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING SOUND
kusgan - strong (rev.) linaw - peaceful nindot - beautiful
hilum - quiet lipay - happy (rev.) layo - far
paspas - fast hinayhinay - slow duol - near
saba - noisy masulub-on - sorrowful (rev.)

ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NATURE, SEMLL, SOUND, AND COLOR
(SYL)
VOCABULARY FOR DESCRIBING COLOR
Colors and shapes are adjectives that can be helpful in describing a person or object as well as
the adjectives you have already learned.
pula - red puti - white braun - brown

itum - black asul - blue rosas - pink
berde - green

PSEUDO VERBS
#20: PSEUDO VERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 1
- Use the pseudo-verbs in sentences
Pseudo-verbs are a small class of adjectives that have verb-like actions but do not show
tense or a kind of action. Often one Cebuano pseudo-verb will have two or three English
meanings. Gusto and buot show desirability of action. Mahimo and pwede show ability,
permission, or possibility. Kinahanglan is used to denote need, must, might or should of a verb.
Ganahan is used to occasionally mean to like, enjoy, or regard something.
kinahanglan - need to, ought to, must, should
mahimo / pwede - can, may, could, might
buot / gusto - want to, like to
ganahan - like to
These helping verbs can be used with any verb, in any tense, in any focus to help make
more meaning. They help the conjugated verb of the sentence and are joined with the “linker-
that” nga to the rest of the sentence. The nga is sometimes excluded but is always implied.
STRUCTUREFIGURE 1
Psuedo verb + Actor + (nga) + Conjugated Verb
Kinahanglan kita nga magsunod sa mga kasugoan. - We must (need to) follow the commandments.
Mahimo ka masayud sa kamatuoran. - You may know the truth.
Pwede ninyo buhaton kana. - You may do that.
Buot niya nga ihatag ang basahon. - He wants to (that will) give the book.
Gusto nato’ng madawat ang mga sulat. - We want to (that will) receive letters.
Ganahan ako nga magtuon og Visaya. - I like to (that will) study Visayan.

PSEUDO VERBS
USING BUOT AND GUSTO
Gusto and buot show the desire for a certain action. They usually mena the actor wishes
to do the action verb associated with the pseudo verb. It sometimes means to like something, but
many times ganahan is used in that case.
Buot niya nga mouswag kita. - He wants that we will progress.

Gusto ako maghimo og balay. - I want to make a house.
Gusto siya sa iyang trabaho. - She likes her work.
Ganahan nako ang MTC. - I like the MTC.
USING PWEDE AND MAHIMO
Pwede and mahimo both show ability, permission, or possibility. They both have
synonymous meanings in all occurrences. The only difference is that pwede is from the Spanish
and mahimo is pure Cebuano.
Mahimo ba nga magin-Ingles ka? - Can (or may) you speak in English?
Oo, pwede ako magin-Ingles. - Yes, I can speak in English.
Pwede kami mangutana? - May we ask a question?

Oo, mahimo kamo mangutana. - Yes, you may ask a question.
USING KINAHANGLAN
Kinahanglan is used to show necessity of the action. It means need, must, have to,
should, and might when used with a conjugated verb. It follows the structure of the others and is
commonly used with all the above definitions. It can mean the need for a thing (with no verb)
and is one of the few pseudo verbs that can be conjugated on its own.
Kinahanglan ba siya mageskwela? - Does he have to go to school?

Oo, kinahanglan siya mageskwela. - Yes, he has to go to school.
Kinahanglan ba ako magpabunyag? - Do I need to be baptized?
Oo, kinahanglan ka magpabunyag. - Yes, you need to be baptized.
Kinahanglan ‘ko ikaw. - I need thee.

Kinahanglan nimo ang atong Manluluwas. - You need our Savior.
Nagkinahanglan siya sa imong tabang. - She needs your help.

Gikinahanglan nato ang Simbahan. - We need the Church.

DIRECTIONS AND SPECIFYING LOCATIONS
(SYL)
#21: DIRECTIONS AND SPECIFYING LOCATIONS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Give and receive directions of a location

- Describe the location of an object
MAP
Mc Do Julie’s
Beauty Tupi-an Kanan-an Hospital Bakeshop
parlor
Gorrodo Ave.
La Guardia St.
Rovira Rd.
High
School Banko Hotel
Plasa Simbahan
Elementary
School S.M. Tindahan
Salinas Dr.
Sementeryo Munisipyo Dyipney Merkado
Sakyanan

DIRECTIONS AND SPECIFYING LOCATIONS
Use the above map to ask questions. Use the vocabulary list to answer with the locations
of the desired place.
ibabaw - above ubos - below duol - near

atbang - accros from tupad / tapad - beside gawas - outside
taliwala - among, between wala - left paingon / padulong - toward
libot - around tuo - right iskina - corner
sa - at unahan - beyond karsada - street
layo - away from atubang - in front of tunga - middle (between)
pikas - other side sulod - inside
luyo - behind
ASKING QUESTIONS:
Asa ang ______? Naa sa ______.

Tua sa ______.
Mc Do iskina sa La Guardia ug Gorrordo.
hospital iskina sa Rovira ug Gorrordo.
Julie’s Bakeshop pikas sa hospital.
Hain man ang ______ dinhi? sa _______________.

tindahan luyo sa S.M.
S.M. pikas sa merkado.
sakayanan atbang sa Simbahan.
Simbahan taliwala sa upat ka mga karsada.
Or, if the full explanation is needed, then use the present where words and the Ang marker.
nia
Ang _______________ naa sa ______________.
tua
tindahan luyo sa S.M.

S.M. pikas sa merkado
sakayanan atbang sa Simbahan.
Simbahan taliwala sa upat ka mga karsada.

ASSORTED VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
#22: ASSORTED VERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Learn the definitions of -himo

- Use the other assorted verbs in this section
HIMO
The Cebuano verb himo has three major definitions. First it means to make or do the
same way as buhat does. Second, it is a pseudo-verb with the definition of could or may do
something, with the same meaning as pwede. The third is a combination of the first two but
usually is defined as meaning “to be” or “to become.”
TO MAKE
In the first definition, himo means to make or to do and is conjugated the same as any
verb from the previous verb lists.
Examples:
Maghimo kami og balay. - We will make a house.

Naghimo ba kamo og linkoranan? - Did you make a chair?
Himoon namo ang balay. - We will make a house.
Gihimo ba nimo ang linkoranan? - Did you make the chair?
Makahimo kita og plano. - We can make a plan.
Nakahimo ako sa akong gusto. - I was able to do (what) I wanted.
Mahimo nato ang plano. - We can make a plan.
Nahimo nako ang akong gusto. - I was able to do (what) I wanted.
PWEDE
The pseudo verbs pwede and mahimo both mean could, can, might, or may when used
with other fully conjugated verbs. There is a later CLO which will discuss pseudo-verbs fully.
Examples:
Pwede (or mahimo) kamo magkaon. - You can eat.

Pwede (or mahimo) kami mobalik kanimo. - We might (can) return to you.
Pwede ba ako mangutana? - May I ask a question?

ASSORTED VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
TO BECOME
In English, desire of "being" in relation to time is done through several words. Two of
these words are the English helping verbs be and becoming. When conjugated for tense, to be /
being / has been and to become / becoming / has become show desire of becoming in relation to
time. These words can be described using himo. The actual Cebuano “to be” is contained within
the ang but the word himo conjugated with ma- and na- combined with the linker nga can model
the definition of become.
Himo is conjugated in the following ways
Future: mahimo – will be, will become

Past/Present: nahimo – being, becoming, became
Himo (conjugated) + Ang Phrase + nga + “Becoming” thing
Examples:
Nahimo siya nga misyoneryo niadtong miagi nga tuig. - He/she became a missionary (in that) last year.
Mahimo ‘ko’ng panday sa sunod nga tuig. - I will become a carpenter next year.
Himo can also be used with other pseudo-verbs by usually putting the actor as the second
word in the sentence.
Gusto ka ba mahimo nga maestro? - Do you want to become a teacher?

Oo, gusto ako mahimong maestro. - Yes, I want to become a teacher.
Dili, gusto ako mahimong principal. - No, I want to become a principal.
This “become” definition is really a play on the object focus “to make” definition where the actor
(ang phrase) is being made into something.
TO THINK
As mentioned many times before, language is a set of ideas, not words. Hence it is the
culture more than anything else that determines the meaning of words. In English we use the
word think in a very versatile way. The word think in the statement "I think" can be a
supposition, an opinion, or an actual act of mental thinking processes. In Cebuano, these acts are
separated into their own words.

ASSORTED VERBS (GRAMMAR)
USING ABI
Suppositions are made by the use of abi, corresponding to the English I though that… or
you thought (think)… Abi is used with the Og set of pronouns and is often also used with the Og
marker itself. It also means I’ll have you know…
Examples:
Abi nako og moadto ka sa Cebu. (I thought that you were going to Cebu.)
Abi nimo nga dili ako kamao. (You thought that I didn’t know how.)
Abi nimo, lisod kaayo kini. (I’ll have you know, this is very hard.)
USING HUNAHUNA
Opinions and actual thinking are expressed by using hunahuna. This verb is also
conjugated in the same way as any normal transitive verb. It can also be used without a
conjugation having the definition of “thoughts” or “opinions”.
Examples:
Naghunahuna siya mahitungod sa inyong gipangayo. - She is thinking about your request.
Hunahunaon nako ang iyang pagsakripisyo. - I will think of his sacrifice.
Nakahunahuna ka ba sa pagampo? - Did (were able) you think to pray?
Unsa ang imong gihunahuna? - What are you thinking?
Sa akong hunahuna, lami kaayo ang pagkaon sa MTC. - In my (thoughts), the MTC food is very delicious.
Sa akong hunahuna, dugay pa kita maghulat. - In my thoughts (opinions), we will still wait for a long time.
USING SAYUD, HIBALO, AND ILA
The act of knowing is expressed by sayud or hibalo. There are differences between the
two words, however. Also, the word ila has the different meaning of knowing a person or
acquaintance.
Hibalo is used to show knowledge of every-day things. It is most often conjugated with
the ability conjugations. (Note: maka- and naka- are often abbreviated to ka- and kahibalo is
sometimes said kabalo, kahiba’o, or other variants)
Examples:
Makahibalo ka niining mga butang kon motuon ka. - You will know these things if you study.
Nakahibalo kami nga nagsugod ang piyesta sa Martes. - We knew that the fiesta started on Tuesday.
Mahibalan nimo kining mga butang kon magtuon ka. - You will know these things if you study.
Nahibalan namo nga nagsugod ang piyesta sa Martes. - We knew that the fiesta started on Tuesday.
Kahibalo ako nga Lunes na karon. - I know that it’s already Monday now.
Kahibalo siya sa adlaw sa iyang pagkatawo. - He knows her birthday.

ASSORTED VERBS
(GRAMMAR)
Sayud is a verb, usually conjugated with ma- for future and na- for present/past tense,
actor focus. It uses ma- -an and na- -an for future/present/past in the non-actor focus. It is used
to denote a slightly firmer knowledge than hibalo. It often is something known in the heart while
hibalo is a fact known in the head. (The ma- na- object focus to actor focus exception might
come from the advanced conjugations mang- and nang-)
Examples:
Masayud ka sa kamatuoran sa tanan nga mga butang. - You will know the truth of all things.
Masayud pod kamo nga tinuod kini. - You will also know that this is true.
Nasayud ako nga ang Simbahan tinuod. - I know that the Church is true.
Nasayud siya nga buhi si Jesukristo. - She know that Jesus Christ lives.
Masayran nimo ang kamatuoran sa tanan nga mga butang. - You will know the truth of all things.
Masayran pod nimo nga tinuod kini. - You will also know that this is true.
Nasayran nako nga ang Simbahan tinuod. - I know that the Church is true.
Nasayran niya nga buhi si Jesukristo. - She know that Jesus Christ lives.
Ila means to know a person or to become acquinted with someone (sometimes
something). It is used to denote friendship and a knowing relationship with another person. It
can also mean to get to know someone or to recognize something. It uses the same rules as
hibalo for its conjugation by usually using the ability conjugations.
Examples:
Makaila ka sa among mga Misyoneryo. - You will get to know our missionaries.
Nakaila ba kamo kang Juan? - Do you know John? (Did the two of you, John, get acquinted?)
Mailhan nimo ang among mga Misyoneryo. - You will get to know (or recognize) our missionaries.
Nailhan nimo ang kamatuoran gikan sa sayup pinaagi sa Espiritu. - You knew (recognized) the truth from
the wrong through the Spirit.
Kaila ako kang Ching-Ching. - I know Ching-Ching.

Kaila siya kang Ann-Ann. - She knows Ann-Ann.

NA / PA ADVERBS
(SYL)
#23: NA / PA ADVERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use the na and pa adverbs to show complete and incomplete actions
Na and pa are Cebuano adverbs that, with certain exceptions, always follow the first
word of the phrase of which they are a part. Both na and pa never occur in immediate sequence
with one another.
There are many ways in which na and pa are used to show how an action is relative to
time. The most common are as follows:
NA PA
little time plenty of time
future tense now/already still/yet
present tense now/already still/yet
past tense has/have…already also/too (rare)
Point-time adverbs expressing future time. Na and pa indicate the speaker’s attitude
toward the length of time between the time expressed by the adverb and the moment of speaking.
Na reduces the psychological distance between two points in time.

English equivalent: "little time before it happens"
Child: Kanusa ang Pasko?
Parent: Sa Sabado na ang Pasko (Christmas is on Saturday already [little time to
prepare]!)
Pa extends the psychological distance between two points of time.

English equivalent: "plenty of time before it happens"
Parent: Kanusa ang Pasko?

Sa Sabado pa ang Pasko. (Christmas is on Saturday still [lots of time to prepare].)
With verbs in the completed aspect. Na indicates performance of the action expressed
by the verb at some unspecified time prior to another time.
English equivalent: "has/have…already"
Naglarga na ba ang maestro ninyo?

Oo, naglarga na siya. (He/she has already left.)

NA / PA ADVERBS
(SYL)
With verbs in incompleted aspect. Na suggests that the situation expressed is a

relatively new or altered one.
English equivalent: "now"
Natulog ba ang bata?

Oo, natulog na siya. (The child is now sleeping.)
Pa suggests that it is a relatively old or continuing one.

English equivalent: "still"
Namata na ba ang bata?

Wala, natulog pa siya. (He/she is still sleeping.)
With verbs in contemplated aspect or command form. Na denotes immediate

initiation or performance of the action.
English equivalent: "now"
Command: Kaon na ka. (Eat now.)
Pa denotes continuation or resumption of the action.

English equivalent: "still" or "yet"
Command: Kaon ka pa. (You eat still (more).)

To express the meaning "in addition." Pa may be used to express the meaning "in
addition." It most frequently occurs in this meaning after an interrogative word or a cardinal
number.
English equivalent: "else" or with a cardinal number, "more"
Asa ka pa nangadto? (Where else did you go?)

Naa pa ko’y usa pa ka pangutana. (I have one more things to ask.)
In negated constructions.
Dili na - not… any more/longer

Dili na ako moado. (I won’t go any more.)
Dili pa - "not… yet"
Dili pa siya molarga. (He won’t be leaving yet.)
Wala na - "no more/longer"; "not…any more/longer"
Wala na dinhi si Juan. (Juan is no longer here.)
Wala pa - "not yet"; "not (any)… yet"
Wala pa dinhi si Juan. (Juan is not here yet.)
Ayaw na - "don’t… any more"
Ayaw na siya sultihi. (Don’t talk to him anymore.)

CALENDAR AND CLOCK TIME
(SYL)
#24: CALENDAR AND CLOCK TIME
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Name days of the week in Cebuano

- Name months of the year in Cebuano
- Tell time in Spanish
Dominggo - Sunday Marso - March Disyembre - December

Lunes - Monday Abril - April adlaw - day
Martes - Tuesday Mayo - May simana - week
Miyerkules - Wednesday Hunyo - June bulan - month
Huwebes - Thursday Hulyo - July tuig - year
Biyernes - Friday Agosto - August Ting-init - Hot season
Sabado - Saturday Septiyembre - September Ting-ulan - Rainy season
Enero - January Oktubre - October adlaw sa pagkatawo - birthday
Pebrero - February
Unsa man ang _______ karon? _______ ang _______ karon.
adlaw Martes adlaw
bulan Agosto bulan
tuig 1820 tuig
_______ ba karon? Oo, _______________ na karon

Lunes Lunes
Martes Martes
Huwebes Huwebes
Sabado Sabado
_______ ba ang ______________ ninyo? Oo, _______ ang ______________ namo.

Lunes branch meeting Lunes branch meeting
Miyerkules Preparation day Sabado Preparation day
Martes devotional Martes devotional

CALENDAR AND CLOCK TIME
(SYL)
Clock time in Cebuano is expressed in Spanish. Notice that 1:00 uses ala not alas.
oras - time 9:00 - alas nuwebe 12:15 - alas dose kinse

1:00 - ala una 10:00 - alas diyes 12:16 - alas dose disisais
2:00 - alas dos 11:00 - alas onse 12:17 - alas dose disisiyete
3:00 - alas tres 12:00 - alas dose 12:20 - alas dose beynte
4:00 - alas kuwatro 12:03 - alas dose tres 12:25 - alas dose beynte singko
5:00 - alas singko 12:05 - alas dose singko 12:30 - alas dose treynta
6:00 - alas sais 12:08 - alas dose otso 12:30 - alas dose y medya
7:00 - alas siyete 12:10 - alas dose diyes 12:50 - alas dose singkuwenta
8:00 - alas otso 12:11 - alas dose onse
Unsa ang oras na? Alas ______ sa ______.

(time) hapon
gabii
odto
Unsa’y oras ang _________? Alas ______ sa ______.

klase (time) buntag
pagtulog hapon
pagmata gabii
odto

TIME ADVERBS
(SYL)
#25: TIME ADVERBS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use adverbs of time in Cebuano sentences

- Use kanusa to ask questions and answer using time and time adverbs
Quite often, when talking about time in conversation, it is easier to use an adverb of time
in place of stating a date. In English, if today were Monday and you wish to speak about
Tuesday (within the same week) you would prefer to use tomorrow (which is an adverb of time)
instead of Tuesday.
VOCABULARY LIST FIGURE 2

adlaw - day gahapon - yesterday
buntag - morning kagabii - last night
odto - noon ganina - earlier
hapon - afternoon deretso - right away
gabii - evening, night kadyot - in a moment
karon - now unya - later today
ugma - tomorrow sunod - next
These words may be combined and used in the following ways.
karon(g) _______ sunod (nga) _______ miagi nga _______

adlaw adlaw adlaw
simana simana simana
bulan bulan bulan
gahapon (sa) _______ ugma (sa) _______ ganina(ng) _______ unya(ng) _______
buntag buntag buntag buntag
odto odto odto odto
hapon hapon hapon hapon
gabii gabii gabii gabii
Kanusa mosugod ang piyesta? Kanusa kita magdula og basket?

Ugma sa buntag. Unyang gabii.
Biyernes sa gabii. Sunod nga Sabado.
Ugma sa hapon. Ugma sa buntag.

TIME ADVERBS
(SYL)

CONJUNCTIONS
(SYL)
#26: CONJUNCTIONS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Use common conjunctions to link ideas

- Be familiar with a few complex conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that connects sentences, phrases, and words.
ug - and kon - if hangtud - until
unya - then, later aron - so that, in order to samtang - while, as
tungod sa - because of o - or sa dili pa - before (future)
apan / pero - but kay sa - than sa wala pa - before (past)
busa - therefore kasagaran – usually
gawas kon - except
COMMON CONJUNCTIONS
The following are a few of the most common conversational conjunctions:
ug - and
Nagbasket ba siya sa buntag, sa hapon, ug sa gabii?
Oo, nagbasket siya sa buntag, sa hapon ug sa gabii.
sa dili pa - before (future)
Mobalik ba kamo sa dili pa kita mangaon? (Will you return before we eat?)
Dili, apan mobalik kami sa dili pa kamo mouli. (No, but we will return before you go home.)
sa wala pa - before (past)
Nagbasa ba kamo sa wala pa kita magsimba? (Did you read before we went to church?)
Oo., nagbasa kami saw ala pa kita magsimba. (Yes, we read before we went to church.)
gawas - except
Nangkaon kami nga tanan, gawas ‘nimo. (We have all eaten, except for you.)
kon - if
Mahimong tambok ka kon mokaon ka og baboy. (You will become fat if you eat pork.)
tungod sa - because of
Naghilak ang bata tungod sa iyang kagutom. (The child cried because of his hunger.)
samtang - while, as
Samtang maghulat ka, magbasa ka ba sa basahon? (As (or while) you wait, will you read the book?)
hangtud sa - until; as far as

Maglahutay kita hangtud sa kahangturan. (We will endure until the end.)
aron - so that; in order that; so

Magpabunyag kita aron makabalik kita sa atong Amahan sa Langit. (We are baptized so that we will return
to our Father.)
o - or
Si Juan ba o si Jose ang mibasa para ‘nimo? (Was it John or Joseph who read to you?)
apan / pero - but

Gusto ako magdula, apan kapoy man ako. (I want to play, but I am tired.)

VERBALS
#27: VERBALS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Distinguish different verbals.

- Use verbals in sentences.
Verbals are affixes (prefixes, infixes, and suffixes) that are added to verbs, nouns, and
some adjectives to change the meanings. These help deliver different and sometimes more
accurate and powerful meanings in the language. When used correctly, they can help the speaker
to be concise and precise with their speaking. There are many verbals, up to 3761 according to
one source, but only a few will be discussed here. The hyphens are critical, as they show the
placement of the verbal around the word.
Pay attention to these verbals and use the Word Breakdown section of the infield study
guide to further understand complex vocabulary.
pag- changes a verb to a noun- pagtuon, pagtulog, pagbasa.

the infinitive (to “verb”) form of a verb- pagdawat (to receive)
-pa- causative verbal; to cause to happen. padala, paambit, patupi, pabunyag

pagka- the condition of being _______. or verb- “ship” pagkaanak, pagkatawo,
pagkakaron
ka- -an grandizes or adds distinction to the verb and often pluralizes. kalibutan,
kasulatan, kamatuoran, kaluwasan, kabataan, kasalanan
ka- -on on the verge of or about to happen. kaulanon, kasukaon, kaadlawon
ma- -on changes adjectives to adverbs with -ly or -ous endings. mainiton, malipayon,
mahunahunaon, malinawon, matinguhaon
ka- someone who accompanies in doing the verb or a co- “verb.” kasakay, katudlo, kaward,
kauban
ka- the og form of the “is” statements. ka+adjective og pronoun. kadugay nimo, kabrayt
nimo, kaswerte nato
-an the place of, or where the verb happens. linkoranan, sudlanan, manookan, higdaan
-han higdaanan
tig- one who does Verb . tiglalang, tigsaksi

VERBALS
mag 2x 2nd syllable- maghuhukom, maghuhupay

man 2x 2nd syllable- manluluwas, manunubos
pinaka- the superlative, most or “-est.” Pinakadako, pinakabrayt,

kina- -an kinagamyan, kinagwapan, kinadakan
-in- having to do with the verb and how it is used, in what way or by what is it manipulated.
sinulat, binuhat, kinasingkasing, tiunod, vinisaya, tinagalog, pinaagi
-non adds “-like” to the end of an adjective. batanon, diosnon, langitnon
pala- one who does the adjective habitually. palahubog, palaaway
paga- used with verb conjugation -on denoting a more immediate tense. Pagabuhaton,
pagahimoon, pagahukman
ting- the season of _______. tinginit, tingtugnaw, tingulan, tingpamulak
-a is added to the end of a word to make it more specific to that object. butanga, gabiona, sa
amo-a, inyoha, tuiga, adlawa
mais simply added to the front of a few adjectives. maayo, mainit, mahangin, matuod,
mahinay
isika- added to a noun to mean fellow-______. Isikatawo, isikasakop, isikaElder

ASSORTED VOCABULARY
#28: ASSORTED VOCABULARY
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Distinguish different words for use in conversational Cebuano.

- Use these words in sentences.
There are a few common conversational words and expressions that are used in
“everyday” Cebuano that will help any speaker to be more fluent. They are varied in definition
and usage in each area. The following definitions are guidelines only. Ask in the Philippines
and find out the correct usage of each word for your specific area.
DIAY- “Really?” Used when you have received new information.
DI’ BA- “No?” Used when asking for confirmation and expression.
MAO- “That’s it.” Identifier and also meaning ability / knowledge.
LAGI- “Of course, true!” or “I know (in agreement)!” Was aware of fact and agreeing with it.
BITAW- “Of course, true!” Was unaware of fact, or just agreeing.
PALIHOG- “Please.” Formal usage.
BEH/BI- “Please.” Less formal usage.
MAO RA OG (MORA’G)- “Seems like…” Used when trying to describe something.
HINUON- “however” Used in some cases.
IMBIS- “instead” Used in some cases.
KONO- “He/She/They said…” Used to take the attention off you or to mean you just heard that.
MAN- An emphasis, filler word used mostly with verbs and interrogatives.
KWAN- Replaces a word that you can not remember. Also is the “whatchamacallit” replace
word.
GANI- “In fact…”, “Obviously…”, or “For sure…” Used for emphasis in one of these ways.
KAHA- Used in a sentence to ask what “you think” about something in the sentence.
UNTA- “might, should”
MISMO- “personally”
GAYUD- “really, extremely, much” Emphasizes verbs and adjectives.
DAPAT- Used in “should/need to” or “it is needed to…” situations.
KAAYO- Emphasis used mostly with adjectives meaning “very” or “really.”
MAO BA?- “Is that so?” or “really” but stronger than diay.
SIGI NA- Right now.
PANANGLITAN- For example…
PASTILAN- “too bad” or “dang” Not a swear word.

ADVANCED CONJUGATIONS
#29 ADVANCED CONJUGATIONS
OBJECTIVEFIGURE 2
- Recognize advanced Cebuano verb conjugations

- Prepare to use the advanced conjugations
There are a few Cebuano conjugations that are more advanced than the ones in the
previous CLOs. They are used on occasion and will only be mentioned briefly here. Find out
more about them from Cebuano texts as well from native speakers in the Philippines.
-anay, -hanay
These can be added to the end of verbs to show that the action happened between two or
more individuals and that the action was shared by both.
ACTOR FOCUS CONJUGATIONS
mang- will do ________ (future plural)

nang- did do ________ (past plural)
manag- variant of mang- used much less

nanag- variant of nang- used much less
These are used to denote plurality of actors or action. Pronunciation changes when these
conjugations are used with verbs. (i.e. mang-kaon to mangaon or mang-dagan to managan).
mahi- will do __________ (future)

nahi- did do __________ (past)
These conjugations imply a casualness with the actor or object of the sentence. Can be
used with most transitive verbs, but mostly with gugma, sulti, sulat, adto, etc.
um- will happen ________ (future imperative)
This is the imperative of future mo- will happen.
makig- will do __________ (future between the actor and object)

nakig- did do __________ (past between the actor and object)

These are used to show action between the actor and the object.
maga- will do __________ (future durational)

naga- did do __________ (past durational)
These are more present tense than their variants mag- and nag- which are used sparingly
and are often abbreviated to ga- (like maka- to ka-).
OBJECT FOCUS CONJUGATIONS
manga- will do _________ (future plural)

nanga- did do __________ (past plural)
These are non-actor focus conjugations used to denote plurality of actors or action.
Pronunciation changes when these conjugations are used with verbs.
hi- -on will do __________ (future)

gihi- did do __________ (past)
These are non-actor focus conjugations which imply a casualness with the actor or object
of the sentence. Can be used with most transitive verbs, but mostly with gugma, sulti, sulat,
adto, etc.
gina- is doing __________ (present durative)
This is the naga- equivalent for gi- and is more present tense than just gi- alone.

APPENDIX
TO THE CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVES

APPENDIX
CEBUANO NOUN MARKERS
Focus Markers Non-Focus Markers Location Markers
Common Noun Marker Ang Og / Sa Sa
Proper Name Marker Si Ni Kang
1 Ako Nako Akong Sa Ako Kanako

(I,) (I, me, mine) (to me, of me, for me…)
Ikaw, Ka Nimo Imong Sa Imo Kanimo
Singular 2
(you - singular) (you, yours - singular) (to you, at you, for your,…)
3 Siya Niya Iyang Sa Iya Kaniya

(he, she) (he, she, his, hers) (to her, for him, of her,…)
Kami Namo Among Sa Amo Kanamo
Pronouns (we, - exclusive) (we, ours - exclusive) (to us, for us,…)
1
Kita Nato Atong Sa Ato Kanato
(we, - inclusive) (we, ours - inclusive) (to us, at us, for us,…)
Plural Kamo Ninyo Inyong Sa Inyo Kaninyo
2
(you - plural) (you, yours - plural) (to you, for you, of you,…)
Sila Nila Ilang Sa Ila Kanila

3
(they) (they, them, theirs) (to them, for them, at them)
1' Kiri; Kari - This (focus) Niiri; Niari - In This (Sa

Close to Speaker only Niiri; Niari - This (Og non-focus) non-focus)
Kini; Kani - This Niini - In This, at this, to
2' Niini; Niani - This
Close to Both this
Demostrative
Pronouns Kana - That Niana - In That, at that, in
3' Niana - That
Far from Speaker only that
Kadto - That Niadto - In That, for that, at

4' Niadto - That
Far from Both that
Location
Location Location
Future Unto Location Showing Comparison
Present Tense Past Tense
Tense
Ari A dia, Dia Diri Ngari Ingon Niari
1'
(here) (here is) (was here) (here now) (like this)
Locations
2' Anhi A nia, Nia Dinhi Nganhi Ingon Niini
(here) (here is) (was here) (here now) (like this)
3' Anha A naa, Naa Dinha Nganha Ingon Niana
(there) (there is) (was there) (there now) (like that)
4' Adto A tua, Tua Didto Ngadto Ingon Niadto
(there) (there is) (was there) (there now) (like that)
Appendix
COMMON VERBS
COMMON VERBS
act (to do) …………………………………... buhat come back …………………………………….. balik

act (to perform) ……………………………….. lihok command ………………………………………. sugo
admit (accept; receive) ………………………. dawat compare ……………………………………….. tandi
advise ………………………………………. tambag compain (moan) ………………... reklamo / bugolbol
answer …………………………………...….... tubag confuse ………………………………………... libog
arrive ………………………………………… abut contain ……………………………………... langkob
ask …………………………………..… pangutana continue …………………………………. padayon
ask for …………………………………...… pangayo count …………………………………..… ihap / ipon
baptize …………………………………….… bunyag create ……………………………………….... lalang
become ….…………………………………. mahimo cry out (yell out) …………………………….. singgit
begin ……………………………………….… sugod cry ……………………………………………... hilak
believe ………………………………………...… tuo cut ………………………………...… putol / gunting
bend ………………………………………….... yuko dance …………………………………………. sayaw
bleed ……………………………………… dugo define (explain) …………………………..… pasabot
bless …………………………………. panalangin descend ………………………………………... naog
boil ……………………………………………. bukal desire ……………………………………….. tinguha
break …………………………………………... buak die ……………………………………………. matay
bring …………………………………………… dala dig ……………………………………………. kutkut
buy ……………………………………………... palit direct (teach) ………………………………….. tudlo
call ………………………………………….... tawag distribute ……………………… panghatag / gahin
carry ………………………………………….… dala doubt …………………………………………... duda
catch (someone) …………………………….... dakop draw …………………………………………... kudlit
change (make anew) ………………...… usab / bag-o drink …………………………………………... inom
change (replace) ………………………..……….. ilis drown ……………………………………….... lumos
choose ………………………………………...… pili eat ……………………………………………... kaon
chop (to pieces) ………………………………. ad-ad elect ……………………………………………... pili
claim; request ……………………………….. angkon endure ………………………………………. lahutay
clap ………………………………………….. pakpak
climb ……………………………………….… katkat
comb hair ………………………………….… sudlay
enlighten ……………………………… pahayag make ………………………………… himo / buhat
exalt ………………………………….. himaya memorize ……………………………... sab-ulo
explain ………………………………... pasabot minister ……………………………. alagad
fall …………………………………… hulog need ……………………………….. kinahanglan
fast ………………………………….. puasa occur (happen) ………………….. hitabo
fellowship (accompany) ……………… uban
fight ………………………………….. away
fight (argue) …………………………. lalis open ………………………………… abli / bukas
find (obtain) ………………………… kaplay / kit-an overcome …………………………… buntog
finish (end) …………………………….. tiwas owe …………………………………. utang
fly …………………………………….. lupad paint ……………………………….. pintal
follow ……………………………….. sunod pass …………………………….. agi
fulfill ………………………………… tuman pay ………………………………. bayad
gather ………………………………… tigum perform (an act) …………………. buhat
get up (stand) ………………………… tindog pick (choose) …………………… pili
get up (awake) ………………………… mata possible ………………………… mahimo
give permission ……………………… tugot / sugot pray ……………………………. ampo
give …………………………………… hatag prepare ………………………… andam
go ……………………………………. adto preside ……………………….. ulo
shop ……………………………….. pagpamalit progress …………………….. uswag/lambo
go to sleep …………………………… tulog prohibit ……………………….. pag-dili
hang ……………………………….. bitay promise …………………………. saad
have to (must) …………………… kinahanglan pull …………………………… bira
have (possession) ……… nia, naa, tua, aduna, may punish ……………………… silot
have (to bear) ……………………… angkon put …………………………… butang
hear ………………………………… dungog remain (stay)…………………. pabilin
help ………………………………… tabang rent …………………………. abang
hit ………………………………… sumbag repeat …………………………. usab
hold ……………………………….. hupot / gunit rest …………………………… pahulay
hope ……………………………… laum restore ………………………. uli
hug ……………………………….. gakus resurrect ………………………. banhaw
ignore / reject ………………… pasagdan / salikway return (come back) ……………….. balik
illuminate …………………….. pahayag return (a borrowed item) …………. uli
immerse ………………………. tuslob review (re-examine) ………………. balik-balik
iron (clothes) …………………. plantsa ride ……………………………….. sakay
join ……………………………… apil run ………………………………. dagan
jump (hop) ……………………… lukso sacrifice ………………………….. sakripisyo
kick …………………………. patid / sipa sail ……………………………… lawig
kiss ………………………….. halok sanctify ……………………….. pag-balaan
kneel ……………………. luhod save ………………………………………...… luwas
know (things) ………………… hibalo say (tell) …………………………………….. ingon
know (people) ……………….. ila seal ……………………………………………. Patik
laugh ………………………. katawa see …………………………………………….. kita see
learn ……………………….. kat-on / kamao (look at/for) ……………………………… tanaw sell
leave (a place) ………………. biya / larga ………………………………………….. baligya
leave (something behind) ……… bilin separate ……………….…………………….. bulag
lick …………………………….. tilap serve ……………….……………………… alagad
lie down ………………………… higda sew ……………….…………………………... tahi
lie …………………………….. bakak share ……………………………………… paambit
light ……………………….. iwag shave ………………………………………… kagis
listen …………………….. paminaw shoot (gun) …………………………………… pusil
live ……………………….. buhi should ....…………………………….. kinahanglan
live (abide, reside) ………. puyo shout ……………………………………….... singgit
look for ………………….. pangita sin …..………………………………………… sala
lose ……………………. wala sing .……………………………………….... kanta sit
love ………………….. gugma …………………………………………… lingkod
sleep ……………………………….………... tulog
smile …………………………………….. pahiyum
smoke (cigarettes) ..………… sigarilyo / panabako
speak …………………………………………. sulti
speak (converse) …………………………… istoria
spin ………………………………………….. tuyok
stand …………………………………... tindog/barug
start …………………………………………... sugod
stir ........……………………………………… sugkay
study ………………………………………..….. tuon
suggest ……….……………………………… sugyot
support / cooperate ……………………………. abag
surprise ………………...………………… pakugang
sweep …………………………………...…….. silhig
swim …………………………………... langoy / ligo
take pictures ………………………………….. kodak
take a bath ……………………………………… ligo
teach …………………………………………... tudlo
think ……………………………………… hunahuna
throw (away, cast) ……………………………. labay
tie …………………………………………….. gapus
travel (in a direction) ………………………… biyahi
travel (wander) ………………………… suroy-suroy
trust ……………………………………………. salig
turn ……………………………………………. tuyok
understand (comprehend) …………………….. sabot
visit (physically visit) ………………… bisita / duaw
walk …………………………………………... lakaw
want (like) …………………………. gusto / ganahan
want …………………………………………... gusto
wash ………………………………………….. hugas
wave (with the hand) ………………………… kayab
wind …………………………………………. hangin
withdraw (retreat) …………………….. bakwit / biya
worship ………………………………………. samba
write ……………………………………….. …. sulat
Appendix
VOCABULARY BY SUBJECT
VOCABULARY LIST BY SUBJECT
ADJECTIVES
bad (smell) …………………………………….. baho bad …………………………………….. daan old (person)

……………………………………………… bati beautiful ………………………………. tigulang open (object)
…………………………… guwapa, nindot big …………………………………… abli quiet
………………………………………… dako bitter …………………………………………. hilum rainy
…………………………………………… pait calm ………………………………………… maulan rough
………………………………………….. linaw cheap ………………………………………. sapnot sad
…………………………………………. barato clean ……………………… masulob-on, maguolan-on salty
………………………………………… limpyu closed ………………………………………… maasin shallow
………………………………………. sirado cold (object) ……………………………………… mabaw sharp
……………………………… bugnaw cold (weather) (intelligent) …………………………….. brayt sharp
………………………………. tugnaw dark (object) ………………………………………… hait short (person)
……………………………….. itum dark (night) ………………………………… putot short
………………………………… ngitngit deep ………………………………………….. mubo shut
………………………………………… lalum delicious …………………………………………... sirado slow
……………………………………. lami difficult …………………………………...… hinayhinay small
……………………………………….. lisod dirty (amount) …………………………….. dyiutay small (size)
………………………………………….. hugaw dry ………………………………….. gamay smooth
…………………………………………… uga early ……………………………… hinlo / hapsay soft
…………………………………………. sayo easy …………………………………………. humok solid
………………………………………… sayon empty ……………………………………….. lig-on sour
………………………………… walay solud expensive …………………………………………. aslum straight
………………………………….. mahal fast ………………………………………. tul-id strong
…………………………………………... paspas fat ………………………………………. kusgan sweet
…………………………………………… tambok first ………………………………………… tamis thick
…………………………………………….. una full ………………………………………. mabaga thin
(stomach) ………………………………. busog full ………………………………………….. niwong tight
…………………………………………….. puno good ………………………………………….. hugot ugly
(smell) ………………………………… humot good ……………………………….. bati og nawong weak
…………………………………………. maayo happy ………………………………………….. luya wet
………………………………………. malipay hard …………………………………………… basa whole
(effort) …………………………………. lisod hard ………………………………………… tibuok wide
(object) …………………………………. gahi heavy ………………………………………. halapad windy
……………………………………….. bugat high …………………………………... mahangin young
…………………………………………. taas hot …………………………………….. batan-on
…………………………………………….. init large BEDROOM TERMS
………………………………………….. dako last
……………………………………… katapusan light bed ……………………………………….. higdaan
(weight) ……………………………….. gaan little blanket ………………………………………. habol clock
(amount) …………………………… dyiutay little (size) ………………………………………… orasan closet
………………………………….. gamay long (size) …………………………………….. pansayan mattress
…………………………………….. taas long (time) …………………………………….. kultson mirror
………………………………….. dugay loud ……………………………………… salamin pillow
………………………………………….. kusog low ………………………………………… unlan rug
……………………………………………. ubos messy ……………………………………….. alpombra BOOKS
……………………………………… hugaw muddy OF THE BIBLE
…………………………………… malapok new
………………………………………….. bago noisy Old Testament ……………………… Daang Tugon
………………………………………... saba old (object) Genesis …………………………………. Genesis Exodus
…………………………………….. Exodo Leviticus ………………………………… Filemon To the Hebrews
………………………………… Levitico Numbers ………………… Mga Hebreohanon The Epistle of James
…………………………………. Numeros Deuteronomy ……………………… Santiago 1 Peter
………………………... Deuteronomio Joshua ……………………………………… 1 Pedro 2 Peter
……………………………………… Josue Judges ……………………………………... 2 Pedro 1 John
……………………………….. Maghuhukom Ruth ……………………………………….. 1 Juan 2 John
…………………………………………… Ruth 1 Samuel ………………………………………... 2 Juan 3 John
…………………………………. 1 Samuel 2 Samuel ………………………………………... 3 Juan Jude
………………………………….. 2 Samuel 1 Kings …………………………………………... Judas
………………………………… 1 Mga Hari 2 Kings Revelation ……………………………… Pinadayag
………………………………… 2 Mga Hari 1 Chronicles BOOKS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
……………………… 1 Mga Cronicas 2 Chronicles
………………………. 2 Mga Cronicas Ezra 1 Nephi …………………. Unang Basahon ni Nephi 2
………………………………………. Esdras Nehemiah Nephi …………......... Ikaduhang Basahon ni Nephi Jacob
.……………………………….. Nehemias Esther …………………………….. Basahon ni Jacob Enos
…………………………………………. Ester Job ……………………………… Basahon ni Enos Jarom
…………………………………………….. Job Psalms ……………………………. Basahon ni Jarom Omni
………………………………… Mga Salmo Proverbs ……………………………. Basahon ni Omni Words of
…………………………….. Mga Proverbio Ecclesiastes Mormon … Ang Mga Pulong ni Mormon Mosiah
………………………… Ecclesiastes The Song of ………………………… Basahon ni Mosiah Alma
Solomon ……………. Awit ni Solomon Isaiah …………………………… Basahon ni Alma Helaman
…………………………………………. Isaias Jermiah …………………….. Basahon ni Helaman 3 Nephi
……………………………………. Jeremias Lamentations ……………………………. Ikatulong Nephi 4 Nephi
……………………. Lamentaciones Ezekiel …………………………. Ikaupat nga Nephi Mormon
………………………………….Ezequiel Daniel …………………….. Basahon ni Mormon Ether
……………………………………… Daniel Hosea ……………………………… Basahon ni Ether Moroni
……………………………………….. Oseas Joel ………………………… Basahon ni Moroni
……………………………………………. Joel Amos CALENDAR MONTHS
……………………………………….. Amos Obadiah
…………………………………… Abdias Jonah January ……………………………………… Enero
…………………………………………. Jonas Micah February ………………………………….. Pebrero March
…………………………………….. Miquias Nahum ………………………………………. Marso April
……………………………………… Nahum Habakkuk ………………………………………… Abril May
……………………………….. Habaccuc Zephaniah ………………………………………….. Mayo June
………………………………… Sofonias Haggi …………………………………………. Hunyo July
………………………………………. Hageo Zechariah …………………………………………... Hulyo August
………………………………… Zakarias Malachi ………………………………………. Agusto September
………………………………… Malaquias New …………………………….. Septiyembre October
Testament ……………………. Bagong Tugon Matthew …………………………………….. Oktubre November
…………………………………. Mateo Mark ……………………………… Nobyembre December
……………………………………….. Marcos Luke ……………………………… Disyembre CALENDAR
……………………………………… Lucas John DATES
………………………………………….. Juan The Acts
……………………………… Mga Buhat The Epistle of 1st ………………………………………. primero 2nd
Paul to the Romans .. Mga Taga-Roma 1 Corinthians ……………………………………………… dos 3rd
…………………. 1 Mga Taga-Corinto 2 Corinthians …………………………………………….. tres 4th
…………………. 2 Mga Taga-Corinto Galatians ………………………………………….. kuwatro 5th
…………………….. Mga Taga-Galacia Ephesians …………………………………………… sinko 6th
………………………… Mga Taga-Efeso Philppians ……………………………………………… sais 7th
……………………… Mga Taga-Filipos Colossians ……………………………………………. siyete 8th
…………………….. Mga Taga-Colosas 1 Thessalonians ……………………………………………… otso 9th
…………… 1 Mga Taga-Tesalonica 2 Thessalonians ………………………………………… nuwebe 10th
…………… 2 Mga Taga-Tesalonica 1 Timothy …………………………………………… diyes 11th
………………………………... 1 Timoteo 2 Timothy …………………………………………… onse 12th
……………………………… 2 Timoteo Titus ……………………………………………. dose 13th
…………………………………………. Tito Philemon ………………………………………….. trese 14th
………………………………………… katorse 15th …………………... alas tres kuwarenta’y singko 3:50
…………………………………………… kinse 16th ………………………… alas tres singkuwenta 3:55
……………………………………….. disisais 17th ………………… alas tres singkuwenta’y singko 3:59
……………………………………… disisiyete 18th ……………… alas tres singkuwenta’y nuwebe 4:00
………………………………………. disiotso 19th …………………………………… alas kuwatro 5:00
…………………………………… disinuwebe 20th …………………………………….. alas singko 6:00
………………………………………… beynte 21st ………………………………………… alas sais 7:00
…………………………………… beynte-uno 22nd ……………………………………… alas siyete 8:00
…………………………………… beynte-dos 23rd ………………………………………... alas otso 9:00
…………………………………….. beynte-tres 24th ……………………………………. alas nuwebe 10:00
………………………………… beynte-kuwatro 25th ……………………………………. alas diyes 11:00
………………………………….. beynte-singko 26th ……………………………………… alas onse 12:00
…………………………………… beynte-sais 27th ……………………………………… alas dose COLORS
…………………………………... beynte-siyete 28th
…………………………………… beynte-osto 29th black ………………………………………….. itum blue
………………………………… beynte-nuwebe 30th …………………………………………….. azul brown
………………………………………….. trenta 31st ………………………………………… braun green
……………………………………. trenta’y-uno CITY ………………………………………….. berde orange
TERMS ………………………………………… orens pink
………………………………………….. rosas red
bicycle ………………………………….. bisikleta bridge ……………………………………………… pula white
……………………………….. taytayan/tulay bus ……………………………………………. puti yellow
……………………………………………. bus car ………………………………………… dilaw
……………………………………………. kotse cathedral CONJUNCTIONS
…………………………………. simbahan city
………………………………………… siyudad corner and ………………………………………………. ug
……………………………………….. iskina highway because of ………………………………... tungod sa but
……………………………………. haywey police man …………………………………………….. pero but
…………………………………… polis road ……………………………………………... apan except
………………………………….. dalan/karsada sidewalk …………………………………… gawas kon if
……………………………………… asiras store ………………………………………………... kon so that
……………………………………….. tindahan taxi …………………………………………. aron or
………………………………………….. taksi telephone ………………………………………………….. o so that
…………………………………. telefono trash can ………………………………………….. aron than
…………………………………. basurahan truck …………………………………………... kay sa then
………………………………………… trak van …………………………………………… unya therefore
……………………………………………… ban CLOCK ……………………………………….. busa until, till
TIME - SPANISH ……………………………………. hangtud while
………………………………………. samtang DAYS OF
1:00 ………………………………………. ala una 2:00 THE WEEK
………………………………………… alas dos 3:00
……………………………………….. alas tres 3:03 Sunday …………………………………. Dominggo
……………………………………. alas tres tres 3:05 Monday ……………………………………. Lunes
………………………………… alas tres singko 3:08 Tuesday ……………………………………... Martes
………………………………….. alas tres otso 3:10 Wednesday ……………………………... Miyerkules
…………………………………. alas tres diyes 3:15 Thursday ………………………………… Huwebes
………………………………….. alas tres kinse 3:15 Friday ……………………………………. Biyernes
…………………………….. alas tres’y kuwarto 3:17 Saturday …………………………………… Sabado
…………………………….... alas tres disisiyete 3:20 FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
………………………………… alas tres beynte 3:21
…………………………… alas tres beynte-uno 3:25 aunt ……………………………………… iyaan, tiya
………………………… alas tres beynte-singko 3:30 brother-in-law …………………………….. bayaw
………………………………. alas tres’y medya 3:33 children …………………………………... mga anak
…………………………. alas tres treynta’y tres 3:35 cousin …………………………………….. ig-agaw
………………………. alas tres treynta’y singko 3:40 daughter-in-law ………………… umagad nga babae
……………………………. alas tres kuwarenta 3:45 father …………………………………………. tatay
female gender ……………………………….. babae amen …………………………………………….. amen
grandchild ………………………………………. apo ancestor ……………………………………… kagikanan
grandfather …………………………………… lolo angel …………………………………………….. anghel
grandmother ……………………………………. lola apostle ………………………………………….. apostoles
husband ………………………………………... bana male atonement …………………………………………. pagula
gender ………………………………….. lalaki mother authority ………………………………………. pag-tugot
………………………………………... nanay nephew, baptism …………………………………………… bunyag
niece ………………………. pag-umangkon sibling baptism for the dead ……………… bunyag sa mga patay
……………………………………… igsoon uncle Bible …………………………………………….. Biblia
………………………………….. uyoan, tiyo wife bishop …………………………………………… obispo
………………………………………… asawa FOODS IN bishopric ……………………………………….. obispado
GENERAL blessing ……………………………………… panalangin
Book of Mormon ……………… Ang Basahon ni Mormon
bread …………………………………………… pan butter celestial kingdom ……………… celestial nga gingharian
…………………………………… mantikilya canned milk chapel ……………………………………………. kapilya
………………………… gatas sa lata canned food charity …………………………………... gugma nga putli
………………………… pagkaon sa lata cheese chaste …………………………………………….. kaputli
……………………………………….. keso egg chastity …………………………………. balaod sa kaputli
…………………………………………….. itlog honey Christ ……………………………………………… Kristo
…………………………………………. dugos lard Church of Jesus Christ …… Ang Simbahan ni Jesukristo
………………………………………… mantika milk commandment ……………………………………… sugo
…………………………………………… gatas onion confession ……………………………………… kumpisal
……………………………………… sibuyas rice covenant ………………………………………. pakigsaad
(uncooked) ……………………………… bugas rice create ……………………………………………… lalang
(cooked) ………………………………… kanon salt Creator …………………………………………. Tiglalang
…………………………………………….. asin sausage crucifixion …………………………… paglansang sa krus
………………………………… longganisa soup curse ……………………………………………….. tunglo
………………………………………… sabaw sugar damnation …………………………………. panghimaraut
………………………………………… asukal vegetable day of rest …………………………. adlaw sa igpapahulay
oil ………………………... lama sa utanon vinegar devil ………………………………………………… yawa
………………………………………. suka FRUITS disciple ………………………………… tinunan, disipolo
dispensation ………………………………….. kapaigoan
apple …………………………………….. mansanas disctrict ………………………………………….. distrito
avacado ……………………………………. abokado district president ……………………. presidente sa distrito
banana ……………………………………….. saging doctrine …………………………………………. doktrina
cantaloupe ……………………………………. melon dominion ……………………………………... kaharianon
coconut ………………………………………… lubi donation ………………………………………….. halad
grapes ………………………………………… ubas guava earth ………………………………………………….. yuta
……………………………………… bayabas jackfruit endure to the end ……… paglahutay hangtud sa katapusan
……………………………………… langka mango endowment ………………………………………. pagtuga
……………………………………… mangga orange eternal marriage ……… walay katapusan nga kaminyoon
………………………………………… kahil papaya eternal progression ……… walay katapusan nga paguswag
……………………………………. kapayas pear eternal life …………………………… kinabuhi nga dayon
………………………………………….. peras pineapple eternity …………………………… tanan nga kahangturan
……………………………………. pinya watermelon Eve …………………………………………………… Eva
………………………………… pakwan GOSPEL everlasting ……………………………… walay katapusan
TERMS evil spirits ……………………… dautan nga mga espiritu
exaltation ……………………………………. kahimayaan
Aaronic Priesthood ………… Aaronic nga Pagkapari exort …………………………………………….. awhag
Adam ………………………………………. Adan faith …………………………………..... hugot nga pagtoo
administer the sacrament … pagpangalagad sa sakramento family ……………………………………. pamilya, banay
adultery …………………………………………. panapaw family prayer ………………………… pagampo sa banay
adversary ………………………………………… kaaway famine ………………………………………….. kagutom
affliction …………………………………………. kasakit fast ………………………………………………… puasa
agency …………………………… kagawasan, gawasnon fast Sunday …………………… Dominggo sa pag-puasa
almighty ………………………………….. makagagahum fast offering ………………………….. halad sa pag-puasa
father …………………………………………….. amahan mga espiritung anak spiritual blessings espirituhanon nga
Father in Heaven …………………… Amahan sa Langit mga panalangin spiritual death espirituhanon nga
final judgement ………………. katapusan nga paghukom kamatayon talent kait-on teacher magtutudlo, maestro
forbidden fruit ………………………. guinadili nga bunga telestial kingdom telestial nga gingharian telestial glory
gathering of Israel ……………………. pagtigum sa Israel telestial nga himaya temple work buhat sa templo temple
generation ……………………………………… kaliwatan ordinance ordinansa sa templo temple marriage kaminyoon
gentiles ………………………………………... mga hentil sa templo temptation pagtintal terrestrial kingdom terestial
gift of the Holy Ghost …………… gasa sa Espiritu Santo nga gingharian terrestrial glory terestial nga himaya testify
gift of tongues ………………… gasa sa mga pinulongan pagpamatuod testimony pagpamatuod tithing ikapulo tree
glory ……………………………………………… himaya of life kahoy sa kinabuhi truth kamatuoran Urum and
God …………………………………………………. Dios Thummim Uri mug Thummim verse bersikulo war in
golden plates ……………………. bulawan nga mga palid heaven gubat sa langit witness (person) saksi word of God
gospel principles …………. mga baruganan sa ebanghelyo pulong sa Dios Word of Wisdom pulong sa kaalam world
gospel ………………………………………… ebanghelyo kalibutan Zion Zion
grace ………………………………………………. grasya
guilt ………………………………………….. kasaypanan HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
healing ………………………………………………. ayo broom silhig bucket balde, timba door pultahan downstairs
heaven langit Heavenly Father Langitnong Amahan hell silong floor salug iron (clothes) plantsa light suga rug
impyerno Holy Ghost Espiritu Santo holy balaan home alpombra soap sabon stair hagdanan telephone telefono
panimalay hope paglaum house balay house of prayer
balay sa pagampo House of Israel Balay ni Israel humble HUMAN BODY
mapainubsanon hymn himno idol dios-dios idolatry
pagsimba sa dios-dios immortal imortal immorality arm bukton ankle buulbuul back likod beard balbas bone
pagkaimortal iniquity kadautan inspiration pagdasig bukog brain utok buttocks lubot calf bitiis cheek aping
intelligence pangisip interview pakighisgot Israel Israel chest dughan chin suwang ear dalunggan elbow siko eye
Israelites mga taga-Israel Jesus/Jehovah Jesus Jehova mata face nawong finger tudlo foot tiil hair bohok hand
judgement paghukom justice kaangayanan keys of the kamot head ulo heart kasingkasing hip hawak jaw
priesthood mga yawi sa pagkapari king hari kingdom of apapangig knee tuhod leg paa lip ngabil/wait liver atay
God gingharian sa Dios kingdom of heaven gingharian sa lung baga mouth baba muscle unod mustache bigote neck
langit last days ulahing mga adlaw law of chastity balaod liog nose ilong palm palad rib gusok shoulder pag-abaga
sa kaputli law balaod laying on of hands pagpandong sa stomach tiyan thigh tipik sa paa throat tutonlan toe tudlo sa
mga kamot leader pangulo Lord Ginoo Lucifer Lucifer tiil tongue dila tooth ngipon vein ugat waist hawak wrist
meeting house (church) simbahan Melchizedek Priesthood pulso
Melchizedek nga pagkapari member sakup membership
pagkasakup mercy kalooy Messiah Mesiyas millennium KITCHEN TERMS
kaliboan ministering of angels pagalagad sa mga anghel bowl panaksan cabinet kabineta can lata chair lingkuranan
miracle milagro mission misyon missionary misyonaryo cup baso fork tinidor garbage can basurahan glass baso
missionary work misyonaryo nga buhat mortal knife kutsilyo oven hudnohan pan kaha plate plato pot
pagkamortal obedience pagsunod offering halad Only kulon refrigerator ref shelf kahon spoon kutsara stove
Begotten Bustong Anak ordinance ordenasa paradise pugon table mesa
paraiso partake pagambit plan of salvation plano sa
kaluwasan prayer pagampo pride garbo priesthood LIVING ROOM TERMS
pagkapari principles baruganan prophecy panagna prophet
propeta punishment pagsilot Redeemer Manunubos bookcase istande sa mga basahon carpet alpombra ceiling
redemption pagtubos repentance paghinulsol restoration kisame chair lingkuranan couch sala, sopa curtain kurtina
pagpahiuli resurrection pagkabanhaw righteousness lamp suga shelf istande stereo stereo television telebisyon
pagkamatarung Sacrament Sakramento sacred sagrado VCR (BETA) betamaks wall bongbong
sacrifice sakrapisyo salvation kaluwasan Satan Satanas
Saviour Manluluwas scripture kasulatan Second coming of MEATS, FISH & POULTRY
Christ ikaduhang pag-anhi ni Kristo second death
ikaduhang kamatayon secretary sekretarya service bacon tosino beef baka chicken manok duck itik egg itlog
pagalagad service (meeting) pagtigum share the gospel fish isda ham hamon meat karne pork karneng baboy
pagpaambit sa ebanghelyo sin sala single adult (male, turkey pabo
female) ulitaw; dalaga Son Anak Son of God Anak sa Dios
Spirit of the Lord Espiritu sa Ginoo spirit world kalibutan MEDICAL TERMS
sa espiritu Spirit of God Espiritu sa Dios spirit children
accident disgrasya, aksidente ambulance ambulansiya sunod nga buwan night gabii noon odto this week karong
blind buta blood dugo cancer kanser doctor doctor nurse simana today karong adlaw tomorrow ugma yesterday
nars patient pasyente sickness sakit gahapon
MEN’S CLOTHES TRAVEL TERMS & DIRECTIONS

belt bakus button butones collar kuwelyo glasses corner iskina east sidlakan forward unahan jog dagan
antiyohos/antipara hat kalo jacket dyaket jeans dyinz pants kilometer kilometro left wala north amihanan pedestrian
pantaloon, carsones pocket bolsa rubber boot botas shirt tawo nga naglakaw right too run dagan south habagatan
kamisa, polo shoe sapatos slipper tsinelas sock medias speed katulin stop hunong straight ahead deretso walk
sweater sweter tie korbata thongs tsinelas umbrella paying lakaw west kasadpan
watch rehlo
INTERNATIONAL TERMS
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE bus bus bus driver drayber sa bus captain kapitan
Moses Moises Abraham Abraham Joseph Smith - Matthew compartment sudlanan, kompartimento conductor
Joseph Smith - Mateo Joseph Smith - History Joseph konduktor consulate konsulado fare plete luggage bagahe
Smith - Kasaysayan Articles of Faith Mga Artikulo sa passport passaporte plane eroplano reservations inandam
Hugot nga Pagtuo Joseph Smith Translation Hubad ni seat lingkuranan station istasyon taxi driver drayber sa
Joseph Smith taksi terminal terminal ticket tiket token tiket train tren
visa bias window bintana
PREPOSITIONS
above ibabaw across atbang among taliwala at sa away VEGETABLES
from layo behind likod below ubos beside tupad/tapad cabbage repolyo corn mais egg plant talong garlic ahos
between taliwala beyond unahan down ubos from gikan in green peas gisantes lettuce letsugas mushroom kabuti
front of atubang inside sulod into sulod near duol on sa onion sibuyas peanuts mani pepper paminta patato patatas
outside gawas through pinaagi to sa toward padulong soy bean balatong spinach kulitis sweet potato kamote
under ubos tomato kamatis vegetables utanon, gulay
RELIGIONS WOMEN’S CLOTHING & MAKE-UP

Baptist Bautismo Buddhism Budismo Catholic Katoliko blouse blusa boot botas bra bra bracelet purseras brush
Christianity Kristianos Confucianism Kompusyanismo bras coat amerikana comb sudlay dress pagsapot earring
Hinduism Hinduismo Jehovah’s Witness Mga Saksi ni ariyos handkerchief panyo lipstick lipstick mascara
Heova Jew Judeo Methodist Metodista Mormon Mormon maskara necklace kuwintas panties panti panty hose
Muslim Muslim Pentecostal Pentekostal Presbyterian pantihows perfume pahumot ring singsing skirt saya slip
Presbiteryano Protestantism Protestante kamison slipper tsinelas suit amerikana sweater sweter
SEASONS
Hot Ting-init Rainy Ting-ulan
SPORTS/ATHLETICS
athlete atleta baseball beysbol basketball basketbol
bicycling bisikleta bowling boling boxing boksing tennis
tennis volleyball bolibol
SUPERMARKET TERMS
cashier kahero/a clerk manunulat customer suki magazine

magasin receipt resibo sack sako shelf istande telephone
telephono wastepaper basket basurahan
TIMES
afternoon hapon day adlaw evening gabii last month miagi

nang usa ka buwan last week miagi nang usa ka simana
last year miagi nang usa ka tuig morning buntag next year
sunod nga tuig next week sunod nga simana next month
Appendix
DIALOGUES
Appendix
DIALOGUES
DIALOGUES
Sultianay Usa
SI INTING MIBISITA KANG JOE
Inting: Maayo (nagtuktok). Maayong gabii.

Tigulang: Maayong gabii. Dayon Dong. Unsa may ato?
Inting: Nia ba si Joe?
Tigulang: Nia man. Dayon lang.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Joe: Ting! Kumusta ka man?
Inting: Maayo man. Ikaw kumusta?
Joe: Maayo man sad.
Inting: Ah, Joe, ako lang iuli ‘ning imong libro. Adto na lang ‘ko kay nagdali man ‘ko.
Joe: Adto na ka?
Inting: Oo, adto na ‘ko. Di’a ra’ng imong libro, o. Salamat ha?
Joe: Oo. Salamat.
Inting: Ari na ‘ko.
Joe: Sigi. Balikbalik.
Sultianay Duha
UNANG BAHIN
Katabang: Unsay ato Day?

Perla: Mao ba ‘ning balay ni Dr. Fernandez?
Katabang: Oo. Dayon lang Day.
Perla: Hain man si Dr. Fernandez? Nia ba?
Katabang: Oo. Nia man. Tuas taas.
Perla: Ingna lang ang doctor nga nia ‘ko.
Katabang: Kinsay imong ngalan Day?
Perla: Ako si Perla Santos. Gikaila nako siya sa didto pa siya sa Amerika.
IKADUHANG BAHIN
Dr. Fer.: O! Miss Santos! Nia ka man diay! Kumusta ka man?

Perla: Maayo man doctor. Ikaw, kumusta?
Dr. Fer.: Maayo sad. Naglisud ka ba pag-anhi nganhi?
Perla: Oo, doctor, kay walay dyip nga mohatud nganhi.
Dr. Fer.: Unsa man diay ang imong gisakyan nganhi?
Perla: Taksi lang.
Sultianay Tulo
NANGITA OG KWARTO
Appendix
DIALOGUES
Perla: Maayong buntag ‘Noy.

Tigulang: Maayong buntag.
Perla: Mahimo bang’ mangutana?
Tigulang: Siyempre--unsa man?
Perla: Mangadto unta ‘mi sa Sasa. Asa man mi mosakay og dyip padulong ngadto?
Tigulang: A, adto diay ‘mo sa Sasa? Anha ‘mo diha sa Boy Scout mosakay og dyip padulong sa
Sasa. Pangutana lang kon asa ang para sa Sasa.
Perla: A, diay. Salamat ‘Noy, ha?
...................................................................................................................................................................
Mrs. Cruz: O, Perla--nia man lagi diay ‘mo!
Perla: Nia ‘mi kay nangita man gyud si Miss Jones og kwarto.
Mrs. Cruz: A, mao diay ‘ni siya ang nangita og kwarto? Unsa man ang iyang gusto--ang sa silong
o ang sa taas ba?
Perla: Gusto siya og kwartong mingaw.
Mrs. Cruz: Mingaw man kining kwarto sa silong kay tua man sa taas magduwa ang mga bata.
Perla: Ang sa silong nalang ang iyang abangan. Pila man ang bayranan kada bulan?
Mrs. Cruz: Singkwenta pesos kay duna may kaugalingong kasilyas.
Perla: Dili na ba ‘na mahangyo?
Mrs. Cruz: Dili na gyud Day.
Sultianay Upat
SI GREG UG SI TONY NALIGO SA TALOMO BEACH
Tony: Dali na Greg. Moadto pa ra ba ta sa Bangkerohan.

Greg: Adto ba diay ‘ta mosakay og dyip para sa Talomo Beach?
Tony: Oo. Asa man ‘tang dapita sa Talomo maligo?
Greg: Bisa asa, basta dunay payag.
Tony: Hala, sigi, manakay na ‘ta.
Greg: Tana.
(human sa pangaligo)
Tony: Tana Greg. Mauli na ‘ta. Gitugnaw na ‘ko.

Greg: Maayo ‘sab kay mora’g moulan.
Tony: Niay trak nga moadto sa Dabaw. Manakay ‘ta ani.
Greg: Kari lang diang dyip kay hapit na mapuno.
Tony: Sigi--ug mohatud siya sa Monteverde.
Greg: Oo. Total duha man ‘mi ka buok.
Sultianay Lima
SI MISS JONES UG SI MISS SANTOS TUAS LUTOPAN
Appendix
DIALOGUES
UNANG BAHIN
Miss Jones: Pora, kinsa man ‘nang tawong nagpadulong nganhi? Tigulang na man kaayo ‘nang
tanawon.
Perla: A, kana. Kana si ‘Noy Tibo. Mao ‘na siyay labing tigulang tawo dinhi sa Lutopan.
Miss Jones: Kanang mga batang uban niya--iya ba silang mga apo?
Perla: Di, kay ang iyang mga apo tigulang na. Nangapo na gain sila.
Miss Jones: Tawga ra siya.
Perla: ‘Noy Tibo--dali ra gyud. Gusto kong ipaila nimo si Miss Jones.
IKADUHANG BAHIN
Noy Tibo: Kumusta ka, Day?

Miss Jones: Maayo man Noy. Duna koy pangutana sa imo. Mahimo bang mangutana?
Noy Tibo: Oo. Unsa man?
Miss Jones: Pilay idad nimo ‘ron, Noy?
Noy Tibo: Ako? Dako na ako kaayo og idad. Di na mayhap ang akong idad. Kining akong asawa
‘ron, ikatulo na ‘ni nakong asawa.
Miss Jones: Giunsa man nimo Noy pag-abut nianang idad?
Noy Tibo: Sayon ra ‘na Day. Inum lang ‘kog usa ka hungot tuba kada buntag. Mao nang wala
matigulang.
Sultianay Unom
SI MISS JONES MAMALIT
Tindero: Unsa may ato Day?

Miss Jones: Nangita ‘ko og kuan--kining ihatag sa usa ka amiga.
Tindero: Diay, mga ariyos. Gusto ka ba ani?
Miss Jones: Uy, ana danindot! Tagpila man ‘ni?
Tindero: Kuan lang ‘na Day--tres pesos ang par.
Miss Jones: Mahimo ba og dos?
Tindero: A, dili ra ba Day. Wala na tay gananysa ana. Tangag lang og dos singkwenta ug akong
pangutan-on and insek.
Miss Jones: Ayaw na lang kay dos ra ang akong ibayad. Adto na lang ko.
................................................................................................................................................................
Tindero: A, Miss! Miss! Balik!

Miss Jones: Uy, ana! Gitawag man ko nila. Unsa kahang akong nalimtan didto sa tindahan?
Tindero: A, Miss--miingon ang insek nga makapalit ka og dos kon duha ang imong paliton.
Miss Jones: A, tanawon usa nato. A, ang gikinahanglan nako usa ra ka par.
Tindero: Maayo ‘ning pagkapalita. Nindot ‘ni kaayo.
Miss Jones: Husto na lang nang usa. Dos diay.
Tindero: O sigi. Nia mi og mga kalo. Gusto ka?
Miss Jones: Ay na lang. Nagdali man ‘ko. Salamat na lang.
Tindero: Balikbalik, ha? Ayaw og tagam, ha?
Sultianay Pito
SI MISS SANTOS UG SI MISS JONES NANGADTO SA CEBU SAKAY OG BARKO
Perla: Naa na ang atong barko para sa Cebu. Tana, Ester, manaka na ‘ta.
Ester: Uy ana! Mora’g puros giokupahan ang tanang tihiras dinhi.
Perla: Ayaw la’g kabalaka, Ester. Duna na may akong gireserba ganinang buntag.
Ester: Dong, dali ra gyud. Hain manang mga tihiras gireserba para kanamo?
Perla: Sagdi na lang Dong. Dia ra. Ari diri Ester, manglingkod ‘ta.
Ester: Uy, kapoy. Kapalit na ka’g tikit Perla?
Perla: Wala pa. Moanhi ra bitaw ‘nang nagbalibya og tikit.
.......................................................................................................................................................
Perla: Dali ngari Ester. Nakita na sa Cebu.
Ester: Hain gyud--wa ko kakita.
Perla: Dili diha. Dia ra!
Ester: Tinuod, no! Tua ra!
Perla: Kadtong tua didto--ang Mactan airport ‘na.
Ester: Oo. Naa na ang siyudad--ug nay pantalan, o.
Perla: Hapit na diay ‘ta moabut.
Ester: Inig-abut nato, magbantay gyud ‘ta sa atong mga butang, kay lain ra ba kono ang mga
tawo didto so pantalan.
Perla: Husto ‘na. Kuan ra ba--wa ra bay mosugat nato.
…....................................................................................................................................................
Perla: Tana, Ester. Anhi ra dinhi ‘ta makasakay og dyip para sa Mandaue.
Ester: Oo. Niay dyip. Mohatud tingali ‘na sa Mandaue.
Perla: Sakay ‘ta.
…....................................................................................................................................................
Ester: Mahal gyud ang plete dinhi. Dos diay ang atong gibayad.
Perla: Ngano’g dos pesos gyud? Niadtong usang bulan peso ra man lagi ang plete nako.
Ester: Bitaw, no? Basta Amerikano, pabayron og mahal.
Sultianay Walo
NAGSINE
Joe: Tony, molakaw man kaha ‘ta ‘ron sa sine--tana?

Tony: Kinsa may atong kuyug?
Joe: Kita ra, aron walay daghang samok.
Tony: Sige gyud. Maayo pod aron makapauli ‘ta dayon.
Joe: Magdala ‘ta’g Esprayt kay atong imnon.
Tony: Dili lang kay wala na ‘tay oras. Nagdali ‘ta.
Joe: Sakay ‘ta’g dyip. Dali!
Tony: Kuan, taksi lang. Nagdali ra ba ‘ta.
Joe: Oo. Dia nay usa. Tawga.
......................................................................................................................................................
Tony: San Pedro ‘mi, Bay.
Joe: Asa man diay ‘ta? Adto didto sa San Pedro?
Tony: Adto unta ‘ta sa Lyric.
Joe: Naa na ‘ta.
Tony: Pila may atong plete? Unsa may naas kuntador?
Joe: Uno beynte.
Tony: Ikaw lang ang mobayad, ha?
Joe: Oo. Tana.
Sultianay Siyam
VISITING
Lita: Hilooo? Kinsa ‘ni?

Bata: Si Chingching.
Lita: A, naa ba ang mama nimo Day?
Bata: Wala ra ba. Tua pa siya sa palengke. Kinsa man ‘ning nagtawag?
Lita: Si Lita ‘ni. Ingna lang si Mama nimo nga anha ‘mi unya diha sa inyo.
Bata: Oo, Nang. Sultihan ‘ko lang si Mama.
Lita: Sigi, Day. Daghang bitawng salamat, ha?
Bata: Oo, way sapayan, Nang.
.......................................................................................................................................................
Lita: (Sa drayber) Talamban Dong!
Drayber: A, dili Misis. Adto mi agi sa Mandaue.
Pining: O, naay laing dyip, Lit.
Lita: Talamban Dong?
Drayber: Pila man ‘mo ka buok?
Lita: Kaming duha.
Drayber: Sigi.
Lita: Dali, Ning. Namakay na ‘ta.
Pining: (When they reached the place) Mao ba ‘ni ang ilang balay?
Lita: Oo, mao ‘na ang ilang ba’y. (To the drayber) Pilay plete, Dong?
Drayber: Traynta lang, Misis.
Lita: Salamat, ha? Tana Ning. Maayooooo!!
Appendix
DIALOGUES
Bata: Dayon…..
Lita: Hain man si Mama nimo Day?
Bata: A, tuas taas. Lingkod lang ‘mo, Nang. Ako siyang tawgon.
Marlene: Uy, Lit! Ganina ra ‘mo?
Lita: Karon pa gyud. Nia ‘mi dinhi kay nia man ang amiga nako nga gikan sa Cebu. Ako
siyang gisuroysuroy.
Marlene: A, diay! Kumusta ka?
Lita: A, siya diay si Mrs. Oldao. Ning, kini si Mrs. Pascual.
Pining: Kumusta, Misis?
Marlene: Ay grabe! Pasensya lang ‘mo, ha? Hugaw kaayo ‘ning among balay. Pastilan gyud
‘ning mga bataa, nagsigi’g dula dinhi sa sala.
Pining: Ay, grabe--sagdi lang, Misis. Mao gyud ‘nang mga bata--lihokan kaayo.
Marlene: Maayo kay wala ‘mo naglisud pag-anhi dinhi?
Lita: Wa man hinoon kaayo, Lene. Nakasakay man ‘sab ‘mi dayon.
Marlene: Karon ka pa ba makaanhi sa Cebu, Mrs. Oldao?
Pining: Oo. Mao lagi ‘nang gisuroysuroy ‘sab ‘ko ‘ni Lita. Nindot mandiay ‘ning Cebu.
Marlene: Nagkadaghan na ‘sab ‘ning mga tawo. Ug daghan na ‘sab kaayong building. (One of
the kids enters)
Pining: Kinsay imong nga’n, Dong? Uy, natago man!
Marlene: Oo, nauwaw siya. Apan maldito kaayo ‘na si Bongbong.
Pining: Bongbong diay imong nga’n? Dad-on ka namo sa Cebu, Bong?
Bong: Di’ ‘ko uy!
Marlene: Uy, Chingching, pagdala diri’g Esprayt!
Lita: Sagdi na lang, Lene.
Pining: Ayaw na lang, Misis. Adto na lang ‘mi kay odto na man tingali.
Lita: Salamat na lang kaayo. Nakasaad man gyud ‘mi nga maniudto sa ila ka-Linda.
Pining: Adto na lang ‘mi, Misis.
Marlene: O, sigi. Balikbalik unya ‘mo ha?
Pining: Oo, sigi, salamat kaayo.
APPENDIX
to the
Cebuano Language Objectives
CEBUANO SUPPLEMENTAL GRAMMAR

INFIELD-STUDY GUIDE
1. INTRO 1
2. OVERVIEW 2
3. PRONOUNS-FOCUS 5
4. PRONOUNS-POSSESSIVE 6
5. PRONOUNS-DIRECTIONAL 8
6. CEBUANO VOICE 9
7. SENTENCES-ACTIVE; ACTOR FOCUS 10
8. PASSIVE VOICE-ENGLISH PASSIVE 12
9. SENTENCES-PASSIVE; OBJECT FOCUS 14
10. SENTENCES-PASSIVE; LOCATION FOCUS 16
11. IMPERATIVES 19
12. EXISTENCE 21
13. WHERE CHART 24
14. WORD BREAK DOWN 25
15. APPENDIX 28
INTRODUCTION
The goal of this language supplement is to aid in the continued study of the Cebuano language in the
mission field. It is an attempt to highlight patterns in the language that will allow missionaries to teach themselves
the language in the field. The language training received in the MTC is a great start, but in order to be a more
effective teacher of truth one most constantly improve his/her knowledge of both the gospel and the spoken
language of the mission. The quality of training in the Cebuano language has consistently improved since it was
first taught in the MTC. I hope that it will continue to improve, and if there are errors in this supplement that they
will be fixed by those of you who strive to master the language of the Visayan people. Since this is just a
supplement I will not spend much time on vocabulary or pronunciation. Please understand that a wide vocabulary
and proper pronunciation are essential to becoming an effective speaker. But as there are comprehensive
dictionaries already written and a pronunciation guide in the CLO, the focus of this supplement will be mainly a
grammatical interpretation of the Cebuano language.
A few tips may be helpful in your mastering the Cebuano language:
1. Always remember that missionary work is a spiritual work! It is endowed with spiritual blessings. Those
missionaries who approach learning the language in humility before the Lord and the people that they serve
among will have their tongues loosed and their thoughts quickened.
2. Always listen to what is said by native speakers. Even if you can’t understand what is said, resist the
tendency to space off! Your mind will unconsciously record patterns that will surface later in your
speaking. Understand that the Lord has his own time-frame for your learning the language, and that getting
frustrated and discouraged just blocks the spirit’s guidance.
3. Resist the temptation to rationalize that the Filipinos understand English. This will be a great hindrance to
your learning the language and to your earning the respect of the Filipinos. Speak as much as possible.
Only through speaking will you be able to perfect your language. As soon as you arrive in the
Philippines…speak Cebuano. SYL is truly the fastest way to learn.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Ask members, investigators, and other missionaries. The Lord teaches us
through the questions we ask. Not all of your questions will be answered in the way you want. Ask it a
different way. Once you learn to ask questions in a way understandable to Filipinos, you are definitely on
your way to understanding the language. Remember to be humble.
5. Read out of the Cebuano scriptures as much as possible. Read out loud so you can hear yourself speak.
This will help your pronunciation and listening comprehension. Practice reading slow! One of the biggest
obstacles to non-native speakers is the tendency to speak way to fast. Even if your grammar is perfect you
won’t be understood if you rattle off Cebuano as fast as you speak English. Slow down your speaking and
you will be amazed at how much more your audience will understand.
OVERVIEW
In English, sentences are the basic unit of speech. Each sentence can be broken down into elementary parts
such as the subject, verb, and objects. Cebuano can also be broken down into these elementary parts. Because the
roles and uses of these elementary parts in Cebuano do not exactly mirror English, we will rename them to help you
remember their use in Cebuano.
Focus- the emphasis, or attention of the sentence English:

Object- what receives the action Direct Object
Location- where the action takes place Indirect Object
Action- what is done in the sentence Verb
Actor- who/what performs the action Subject
Example: Nagkaon ang lalake og saging sa tindahan. The boy ate a banana at the store.
Focus: (emphasis) Ang lalake The boy

Object: (what) og saging a banana
Location (where) sa tindahan at the store
Action nagkaon ate
Actor (who) Ang lalake The boy
The first three parts of a sentence: the subject and the two objects are always preceded in the sentence by a
marker. A marker is a word in Cebuano that simply says that what follows it is the Focus (ang), Object (og), or
Location (sa) of the sentence. This will be discussed in more detail later on in the supplement.
The focus of the sentence is the most important part in being able to express your ideas in a way that is
clear to others. It can be defined as the emphasis of the sentence, or what the sentence is built around. It is in
essence what allows the listener to know whether you are most concerned with 1) who is doing the action in the
sentence, 2) what is receiving the action of the sentence, or 3) where (to whom) the action is happening. So, three
questions are used to determine where to put the focus of the sentence: who, what, and where. This short example
may help.
I gave a book to him.
Who gave? Actor I

What was given? Object a book
Where (to Whom) was the book given? Location to him
There can only be one focus in a sentence that has a verb. As mentioned above, there are three questions that
represent the parts of the sentence that can be focused on. Every focus is marked by an ang regardless of what part
of the sentence it is, actor, object, or location. But, each part of speech has unique and individual verb conjugations
that are used when that particular part of speech is focused on. Since the structure of a Cebuano sentence is built
around the focus, and the verb conjugations depend on that focus, there can be only one focus in the sentence in
order for the sentence to make sense. That is why more than one focus in a sentence confuses the listener as to what
exactly you are talking about.
For example, in the sentence:
The dog ate a fish.

Nagkaon ang iro ang isda. (wrong-2 focuses)
Nagkaon ang iro og isda. (correct-only 1 focus)
In Cebuano, if both the dog and the fish were marked as the focus of the sentence, the listener would just
have to assume that the dog was what was eating the fish and not vice versa. They would not be able to tell from the
sentence alone. If though, only the dog was marked as the Focus, and the fish was marked as the object, then it
would be obvious what was happening in the sentence.
There are sentences in Cebuano that do in fact have more than one ang in them, but they do not contain a
verb. These sentences are called Identification sentences. That simply implies that the nouns in the sentence
identify each other, or are equivalent to each other. It further implies that the two angs in the sentence actually mark
the same focus.
Examples:
Ako Si Elder Farley I am Elder Farley
Si JesuKristo mao ang atong Manluluwas Jesus Christ is our savior
These sentences use two angs, ako and si in the first example and si and ang in the second example. First,
you can see that there isn’t an action verb in either of these sentences. There is no interaction between the parts of
the sentences, and therefore, no confusion as to what is happening. Second, both of the angs in the sentences
actually mark the same thing. I, in the first sentence, is the same thing as Elder Farley. Jesus Christ, in the second
sentence, is the same as the savior. They are identical subjects. Technically, these sentences are formed using the
Cebuano identifier, mao. Mao implies that the ideas/words on either side of it are equal and the same. It is much
like the equal sign in math. Whatever is on one side of the equal sign must be equivalent to what is on the other
side. In Cebuano, that means if there is an ang on one side of mao then there must be an ang on the other side of it
as well. That is, of course, an ang or any of its equivalents (ako is an ang equivalent and will be explained shortly).
In order for something to be the focus of a sentence, it must meet certain qualifications. These
qualifications include:
1. It must be specific. It can’t be a general object or idea.
2. Everything in the sentence must directly describes or modify it.
3. In conversation, it must be the topic of the discussion.
4. In response to a question, it must be the answer to that question.
As you have now noticed, the sentence order in Cebuano is different than the sentence order in
English. Because Cebuano depends on markers to identify the focus and the other parts of the sentence, it does not
have a rigid sentence structure. Commonly though, the action of the sentence comes first followed by the actor, the
object, and the location. As we discussed earlier, the focus of the sentence can be placed on the actor, object, or
location depending on what message the sentence is delivering. This in itself allows for variations in sentence
order/structure. The focus though will always be marked by ang or an ang equivalent.
Example:
Action Actor (Focus) Object Location
Nagkaon ang lalake og saging sa tindahan
Nagkaon ang iro og isda
Now, let’s take a closer look at the markers. Each major part of a Cebuano sentence must be marked with
the exception of the verb, which is usually conjugated. The actor is unique because it does not have its own marker.
It is only marked as to whether it is focus or nonfocus. If the markers are forgotten or left out of the sentence, then
the listener may easily become confused as to what is being said.
Markers: Focus Object Location Existence
Ang Og sa ‘Y
Ang pronoun Og pronoun Sa pronoun
Si Ni Kang
It is important to note that although here the object is marked by og, it can also be marked by sa. Sa,when
used as an object marker, is equivalent to the English definite article the. In this supplement, if an object is marked
by sa then the object will be referred to as a specific object. When og is used to mark an object it is equivalent to the
English indefinite article a, and the object will be referred to as non-specific. The English quantifiers any and some
are also equivalent to the Cebuano non-specific marker og. Further, objects that aren’t preceded by an English article
are also treated as non-specific and are marked by og. Examples of this are: a dog; some dog; any dog, or dog.
The existence marker ‘y seems as though it serves as ang or og depending on what is needed in the
sentence. But there is a more correct explanation of its abilities and usage. It will be discussed later in more detail.
In the bottom row are the name markers. They are only used to mark peoples’ names. The names of places or
things are marked by sa.
Before moving on to the pronouns, it is important to know how to use the Cebuano linker nga. The
purpose of nga is to bind ideas together and join descriptive words to what they describe. Here are a few examples
of how nga is used.
Ang taas nga missionario The tall missionary

Ang maayo'ng adlaw The good day
Ang gamay'ng bata The small baby
Nasayud ako nga tinuod ang simbahan I know that the church is true
Nga is put in between the adjective (descriptive word) and the noun that it describes. When the adjective
ends in a vowel, then nga is contracted onto the end of the adjective and the ending a is dropped. Nga also contracts
onto words ending in w and y since they are vowel-like.
Nga must be placed between adjectives and nouns for them to become coherent ideas. It is also placed
between ideas to link them together. So, nga is also the conjugation, that. In the above example, the idea, I know, is
linked with what I know, the church is true. In summary, although nga is not a marker, it is used as a linker in a
number of different contexts.
PRONOUNS - FOCUS
Just like English, Cebuano has three sets of pronouns. These pronouns are important building blocks to
creating sentences and speaking the Cebuano language. They must be memorized before you can get anywhere with
your language learning. Learning these pronouns should be a first priority. The first set of pronouns are called
Focus (Ang) pronouns. The pronouns are as follows:
Ako 'ko I
Ikaw ka You
Siya He, She
Kami 'mi We (exclusive)
Kita 'ta We (inclusive)
Kamo 'mo You (plural)
Sila They
The first column of Cebuano pronouns is the formal or long form. The second column is the short form, if
there is a short form. You will notice that siya and sila don’t have a short form. All of the long and short forms are
pretty much interchangeable. Ikaw is an exception because it is usually only used to start a sentence and is seldom
used within the sentence. One other stipulation on the interchangeablity of the long and short forms of the pronouns
is that you should never start a sentence with the short form of a pronoun. Here is an example of how to use ikaw
and ka.
Example:
Ikaw kono ang moadto sa tindahan.

Moadto kono ka sa tindahan.
Note: kono means he said, or she said. It is used when you are relating information that has been told to you by
others.
Exclusive and inclusive have reference to whether or not the listener is part of the we in the sentence. The
exclusive we is used when you are telling someone about something that was done by you and others. The inclusive
we is used when you are talking to someone who participated in the action of the sentence with you.
There are four other focus pronouns called Demonstratives. Demonstrative is just a title for the this and
that pronouns. This refers to something closer to you than who you are talking to. That refers to something closer
to whom you are speaking to than to you, and in Cebuano it is usually something that is in sight. Also, in Cebuano
there are two additional demonstrative pronouns. These two pronouns add more description to the relative distance
of this and that. The first is used to denote something right by or at the speaker rather than just closer to him than
the listener. It means this right here. The second is used to denote something far from both the speaker and the
listener and not necessarily in sight. It means that way over there.
Kiri 'ri This (right here)
Kini 'ni This
Kana 'na That
Kadto 'to That (far away)
These four demonstratives also have formal/long forms and short forms. Just like the other pronouns, the
short forms of the demonstratives can’t be used to start out a sentence. The formal form must be used to start out
sentences.
PRONOUNS - POSSESSIVE
The second set of pronouns is called the Possessive (Og) pronouns. There are two variations to these
pronoun roots. Both variations have the same meaning, but are placed in a different location in the sentence. The
following are the set of pronouns used for showing possession of an object.
Root English
Ako Mine
Imo Yours
Iya His, Hers
Amo Ours (exclusive)
Ato Ours (inclusive)
Inyo Yours (pl.)
Ila Theirs
The first variation of the possessive pronouns is formed by combining the root with the linker, nga. This is done
because it links the pronoun to the object or verb that follows it.
Root Linker Variation 1 English
Ako + nga = Akong My

Imo + nga = Imong Your
Iya + nga = Iyang His, Her
Amo + nga = Among Our (exclusive)
Ato + nga = Atong Our (inclusive)
Inyo + nga = Inyong Your (pl.)
Ila + nga = Ilang Their
Possessive Pronoun 1 + Noun = Akong kwarta, Among balay, etc.
This variation of the possessive pronoun is always placed directly before the verb or object being possessed
in the sentence. The only exception to this is the word mga which is the Cebuano pluralizer and which comes
between the pronoun and the object being described.
The second variation of the possessive pronoun is formed by adding an n to the front of the pronoun root.
It is placed after the verb or object that is being possessed in the sentence. The n carries the meaning of in this
construction.
Of Root Variation 2
N+ Ako = Nako
N+ Imo = Nimo
N+ Iya = Niya
N+ Amo = Namo
N+ Ato = Nato
N+ Inyo = Ninyo
N+ Ila = Nila
Noun + Possessive Pronoun 2 = Kwarta nako, Balay namo, etc.
A few complete sentences using both variations of the possessive pronouns are as follows:
Kini ang akong balay.

Sila ang akong mga higala.
Kini ang balay nako.
Sila ang mga higala nako.
There are also four demonstrative (Og) pronouns. Unlike the other Og pronouns, these demonstratives do
not show possession. They do though coincide with the demonstrative focus (ang) pronouns, and also mean this
(right here), this, that, and that (far away).
Niari 'ari This (right here)

Niini 'ani This
Niana 'ana That
Niadto 'adto That (far away)
The short forms of these pronouns follow the same rule as the other short forms; that is the short form
cannot be used to start out a sentence. The long form must be used if the pronoun is the first thing in the sentence.
Note: Niiri and 'iri can also be used in place of Niari and 'ari but are not as common.
PRONOUNS - DIRECTIONAL
The last set of pronouns is called the Directional (Sa) pronouns. There are also two variations of these
pronouns, but the usage and the meaning of the two variations are the same. They are used interchangeably in
common speech. The first variation is formed by adding ka to the second variation of the possessive pronouns.
Because these are directional pronouns, they can be interpreted as meaning to…so and so. Often this variation of
the directional pronoun will be shortened by leavning the ka off. Even though it will appear like the possessive
pronoun, its location and use in the sentence is distinguishable. It will always imply a direction of action and will
not directly precede or follow a verb.
Ka + Nako = Kanako (to) Me

Ka + Nimo = Kanimo (to) You
Ka + Niya = Kaniya (to) Him/Her
Ka + Namo = Kanamo (to) Us (exclusive)
Ka + Nato = Kanato (to) Us (inclusive)
Ka + Ninyo = Kaninyo (to) You (plural)
Ka + Nila = Kanila (to) Them
The second variation of the directional pronouns is formed by putting sa before the pronoun root. Again, these
pronouns literaaly mean to…so and so.
Sa + Ako = Sa ako (to) Me

Sa + Imo = Sa imo (to) You
Sa + Iya = Sa iya (to) Him/Her
Sa + Amo = Sa amo (to) Us (exclusive)
Sa + Ato = Sa ato (to) Us (inclusive)
Sa + Inyo = Sa inyo (to) You (plural)
Sa + Ila = Sa ila (to) Them
Note: This second variation of directional pronouns were not originally part of the Cebuano language, but have
been borrowed from other Philippine languages. They are now extensively used and are understood by all Cebuano
speakers. They are just as commonly used as the first variation of directional pronouns.
Here is a quick example of a sentence using the Directional pronouns:
Ihatag kini'ng libro kaniya.

Ihatag kini'ng libro sa iya.
The demonstrative Sa pronouns are the same as the Og demonstrative pronouns. These two sets of pronouns are
called non-focus demonstratives simple meaning that they are not the focus of the sentence.
Niari 'ari This (right here)

Niini 'ani This
Niana 'ana That
Niadto 'adto That (far away)
CEBUANO VOICE
There are technically two types of verb structures or voice in the Cebuano language. They are called
Active and Passive voice respectively. Sentences in which the Focus is the Actor are termed 'Active'. In Cebuano,
this called the Active Voice. Sentences in which the Focus is the Object or Location are termed 'Passive'. In
Cebuano, this is called Passive voice. In short, the voice of the sentence is determined by what basic part of the
sentence is the Focus.
The situation and speaker determine what the Focus of the sentence is by what basic part they consider to
be the emphasis of the sentence. Remember the four stipulations of focus listed earlier in the supplement. It is also
important to note that the speaker does not determine the Actor of the sentence. The sentence itself, or rather the
situation being described by the sentence, determines the Actor. For example, consider these sentences.
English: I taught a discussion to Gina
Active: Nagtudlo ako og hisgutanan kang Gina Actor Focus

Passive: Gitudlo nako ang hisgutanan kang Gina Object Focus
Passive: Gitudloan nako si Gina og hisgutanan Location Focus
In the examples, the Focus is underlined, and the Actor is in bold type. Although the Focus in the
sentences changes from one basic part to another, the Actor never changes. Or in other words, I always taught the
discussion regardless of what the focus was.
Because there are two types of voice in the Cebuano language, there are also two sets of actors. The first
set of actors are called the Focus actors and the second set are called the Non-focus actors. These two sets are
needed because in active voice the focus is the actor of the sentence. It must be marked by the ang, or a focus
pronoun. Yet in passive voice the actor is no longer the focus of the sentence and cannot be marked by ang or the
focus pronouns. It must be marked by a non-focus marker or a non-focus pronoun. That way the true focus of the
sentence won’t be confused with the actor of the sentence.
Focus actors Non-focus actors
Ako I Nako, Akong I

Ikaw You Nimo, Imong You
Siya He/She Niya, Iyang He/She
Kami We (exclusive) Namo, Among We (exclusive)
Kita We (inclusive) Nato, Atong We (inclusive)
Kamo You (plural) Ninyo, Inyong You (plural)
Sila They Nila, Ilang They
Ang Sa
Si Ni
The focus actors are the same as the focus pronouns, and the non-focus actors are the equivalent of the
possessive pronouns. The non-focus actors follow the same patterns as the possessive pronouns in that the N-
variation directly follows the verb, and the -ng variation directly precedes the verb. If the actor is not a pronoun,
then it is marked by either the focus/non-focus marker (ang, sa) or focus/non-focus proper name marker (si, ni)
depending on whether it is a person's name of not. Due to Cebuano sentence structure, (VAOL) the N-variation non
focus actors will generally be used in normal sentence construction is order to allow the verb to come first in the
sentence.
It takes a certain amount of experience with the language before one can easily determine whether a
sentence should be Active or Passive. One way to determine what voice best expresses the idea of a sentence is to
consider what 'question' is answered by the sentence, or what part of speech is the sentence built around. For
example, the question Who is answered in Active Voice where the Actor is the Who and the Focus of the sentence.
The question What is answered in Passive Voice (Object Focus) where the Object is the What and the Focus of the
sentence. And last, the question Where (to Whom) is also answered in Passive Voice (Location Focus) where the
Location is the Where or Whom and the Focus of the sentence.
ACTIVE VOICE - ACTOR FOCUS
CONJUGATIONS
Tense: Future Present Past
Mo- Ni- /Mi-
Mag- Nag- Nag-
Maga- Naga-
Maka- Naka-
Mo-- 1) absolute future, will happen sometime in the future but does not have to
have a specific time attached.
2) used for future actions that are planned.
3) used for habitual actions.
Mag-- 1) interactive events where more than one person is involved in the action.
2) future events that are progressive, do not start and finish at the same time.
3) immediate future, about to happen.
Maga-- 1) future durational, the action is not completed immediately, but lasts for a
while.
Maka-- 1) future ability, it is possible for the action to happen, or you are able to perform it.
2) accidental action, was not planned or intentional
Nag-- 1) present action, something that is happening right now, or is not yet finished.
2) past action, something that was started and just finished.
3) interactive events where more that one person is involved in the action.
Ni/Mi-- 1) absolute past, has happened or is completely finished.

2) action that was started and completed at the same time.
3) used in narrations
Naga-- 1) past durational, the action is not completed immediately, but lasts for a while.
2) ongoing action, can start in the past and continue on into the present.
Naka-- 1) past ability, was possible for action to happen, or you were able to perform it.
An active voice sentence is any sentence in which the actor is the focus of the sentence. The emphasis of
the sentence is on who is doing the action. So, the actor is marked with an ang, ang pronoun or the ang name
marker, Si. One of the above conjugations will be attached to the verb depending on the tense of the sentence. To
make a simple active sentence you must have a focus, an actor, and an action. Each complete Cebuano sentence
must have a focus. Remember though that the focus and the actor will be the same thing in all active sentences.
Most active sentences will also have an object and location as well.
Example: Nagtudlo ako I taught.
Action Actor (Focus)

Nagtudlo ako
Example: Nagtudlo ako og hisgutanan kang Gina. I taught a discussion to Gina.
Action Actor (Focus) Object Location

Nagtudlo ako og hisgutanan kang Gina.
The steps to making an active sentence:

1) decide what tense the sentence is; future, present, or past.
2) decide the type of action; interactive, absolute, etc. Choose the corresponding conjugation.
3) mark the focus/actor with ang or an ang equivalent.
4) fill in the rest of the sentence, marking the object and/or location with their individual markers.
Note: The markers are:
Focus Object Location Existence

Ang Og, Sa Sa 'Y
Ang pronoun Og pronoun Sa pronoun
Si Ni Kang
PASSIVE VOICE
A Passive sentence is any sentence where the actor is not the Focus. As we have discussed earlier, there
are two types of passive sentences. These two types of sentences have reference to the part of the sentence that is the
Focus, and are called Object Focus and Location Focus respectively. They can also be called Direct (Object) and
Indirect (Location) Passive referring to the direct and indirect object of a sentence.
Remember that the direct object is 'what' is acted upon in the sentence. For simplicity, we will refer to the
direct object as the Object. The indirect object is what receives the direct object or its action. Often times it is to
Whom the action happens, or the Location.
As a general rule, the structure of a Passive sentence imitates closely the structure of an Active sentence.
The Action is first, followed by the actor, then the Focus (whether it is the object or the location) and last, whatever
part is left (object or location). VAOL.
Example:
Nagtudlo ako og hisgutanan sa mga imbestigator. I taught a discussion to the investigators.
What was taught? a discussion.

So, a discussion is the object/direct object.
Object Focus: Gitudlo nako Ang hisgutanan ngadto sa mga imbestigator.
Where, or to whom was the discussion taught? to the investigators.

So, the investigators are the location/indirect object.
Location Focus: Gitudloan nako Ang mga imbestigator og hisgutanan.
ENGLISH PASSIVE VOICE
Oftentimes, when we think of passive voice sentences, we think of complex sentences that for the most part
are excluded from common conversations. Sentences like the car was driven by the man, etc. The following
sentences are examples of these types of passive sentences that also have the Cebuano concept of focus integrated
into them. The focuses of the sentences are in bold for easy identification.
Example:
I gave him the book AF Who

The book was given to him by me OF What
He was given the book by me LF Where/ to Whom
These sentences are not exactly what we mean when we talk of passive voice in Cebuano. We are only
concerned with the movement of the focus. The following example is how the same sentences would be worded in
both Cebuano and traditional English while maintaining the same focus shift as the previous example.
I gave him the book AF Who

I gave him the book OF What
I gave the book to him LF Where/ to Whom
To see this, just ask yourself the three questions. 1) Who gave him the book? I gave him the book. 2)
What did you give him? I gave him the book. 3) To whom did you give the book? I gave the book to him.

Notice in the last two sentences how the book and (to) him switch places depending on the question asked. Each
question redirected the focus in a simple common conversational way. That is exactly what is meant by passive
voice in Cebuano.
Now, let's look at another example. This example will show how to work with a sentence in which the
location is a place instead of a person. Hopefully it will demonstrate why it is so unusual to focus on a place in
Cebuano. Consider the example:
I ate the rice at the store AF Who

The rice was eaten by me at the store OF What
At the store, I ate the rice
You can see from the last sentence that the place where the rice was eating is just added information. It is a
prepositional phrase that can be freely moved about in the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence.
This is your clue that the place can’t be the focus of your sentence. It is not what the whole sentence is built around
if it can be moved around and even taken out without changing what was done. This becomes clear again when you
translate this sentence into Cebuano and try to focus on the place. You can say that the store was equal to the place
where you ate the rice, but the focus will still inevitably be you or the rice.
Example:
Ang tindahan mao'y lugar diin nagkaon ako sa kan-on.

As you can see, ako is still the focus of the sentence.
Ang tindahan mao'y lugar diin gikaon nako ang kan-on.

As you can see, the rice is now the focus of the sentence.
A simple explanation for why it isn't possible to focus on the store, or a place, in Cebuano is simply that
communication is about interaction and the trading of information. It is impossible to interact with a place due to
the fact that once you begin interacting with it, it is no longer a place but an object. Even if you eat rice at the store,
it is the rice and you that interact…never the store and you. You can open the door to the store, but the door is then
an object. You can buy something at the store, but you are buying an object…interacting with it and the cashier.
You may buy the store…but then the store is a _______? Yep…an object! For this reason, Locations are only
focused on in Cebuano if they are people…to Whom (Where) something happens.
Anyway, back to our discussion about the rice.
I ate the rice at the store AF Who

I ate the rice at the store OF What
So, this last example of eating rice at the store only gives you two choices for focus just like in Cebuano.
In these examples, Cebuano and English passive voice seem to accomplish the same goal. Too often we equate
Cebuano passive voice with the true passive that is not normally spoken in English. This makes learning Cebuano
passive much harder than it really is. All Cebuano passive does is reorganize the focus of the sentence.
OBJECT FOCUS (PASSIVE)
CONJUGATIONS
Tense Future Nonfuture
I-, -on (-hon) Gi-
Ma Na
I-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo and mag of active voice.
2) used on verbs that need a Location or recipient to fulfill their action. (ditransitive)
3) used for displacement or transfer of the object.
-on-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo and mag of active voice.
2) used on verbs that complete their action on the object. (transitive)
-hon-- 3) same as –on, but used on verbs that end in a soft vowel.
Ma-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of maka in active voice.
2) future ability, it is possible for the action to happen, or you are able to perform it.
3) accidental action, was not planned or intentional.
Gi-- 1) non-future conjugation which takes the place of ni/ mi and nag of active voice.
2) used for both present and past action since there is no distinction in passive voice.
Na-- 1) past conjugation which takes the place of naka in active voice.
2) past ability, was possible for action to happen, or you were able to perform it.
Note: The difference between a Transitive and Ditransitive verb is simply where the action of the verb
terminates or is completed. A transitive verb's action is completed on the object of the sentence where the action of
a ditransitive verb can be carried over to the location as well. An ditransitive verb needs a location or recipient for
its action to terminate. This is explained in more depth in the appendix.
An Object Focus sentence is any sentence in which the object is the focus of the sentence. The
emphasis of the sentence is on what is acted upon. So, the object is now marked with an ang, ang pronoun, or the
ang name marker, Si. One of the above conjugations will be attched to the verb depending on tense and where the
action of the verb is completed. To make a simple object focus sentence you must have an actor, an object/focus,
and an action. Now, the focus and the object will be the same thing. Many object focus sentences will also have a
location as well.
Example: Gikaon niya ang isda. He ate the fish.

Kan-on niya ang isda. He will eat the fish.
Action Actor Object (Focus)

Gikaon niya ang isda
Kan-on niya ang isda
Example: Gikaon niya ang isda didto sa merkado. He ate the fish at the market.
Gikaon sa iro ang isda didto sa merkado. The dog ate the fish at the market.
Action Actor Object (Focus) Location

Gikaon niya ang isda didto sa merkado
Gikaon sa iro ang isda didto sa merkado
The steps to making an object focus sentence:

1) decide what tense the sentence is; future or non-future.
2) decide where the action of the verb is completed, on the object or location.
3) mark the focus/object with ang or an ang equivalent.
4) mark the actor with a sa, or an og pronoun. (non-focus marker)
5) fill in the rest of the sentence, marking the location with its individual marker.
When a sentence is made passive the object or location becomes the focus and is marked by ang. If you
will remember, the actor does not have its own marker. It is just marked as the focus or non-focus. In passive
sentences it will be marked by sa or an og pronoun. If the actor is a pronoun, such as he, or they, then it will
be written as the possessive pronoun equivalent. You can see that in the above example. The he in the sentence
became niya, the possessive equivalent. However, if the actor isn't a pronoun then it is marked by sa. The dog in
the example isn't a pronoun so it is marked by sa.
LOCATION FOCUS (PASSIVE)
CONJUGATIONS
Tense: Future Nonfuture
-an- Gi- -an

Ma- -an Na- -an
Note: The affix i- is no longer needed because we are only concerned with the location. We don't have
to worry about whether the action stops on the object or the location. The affix -an when conjugated to a verb
means location or recipient. When you see a verb conjugated with -an, immediately think the focus or ang is where
the action is going or where the action stops. That is why all of the location focus affixes /conjugations end in -an.
-an-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo ang mag of active voice.
2) used when the focus is the location or recipient of the action.
-han-- 3) same as -an, but used on verbs that end in a soft vowel.
Ma- -an 1) future conjugation which takes the place of maka in active voice.
Gi- -an 1) non-future conjugation which takes the place of ni/ mi and nag of active voice.
Na- -an 1) past conjugation which takes the place of naka in active voice.
A Location focus sentence is any sentence in which the location is the focus of the sentence. The emphasis
of the sentence is on where the action happens or is directed. So, the location is now marked with an ang, ang
pronoun, or the ang name marker, Si. One of the above conjugations will be attached to the verb depending on
tense. To make a simple location focus sentence you must have, an actor, a location/ focus, and an action. Now, the
focus and the location will be the same thing. Many Location focus sentences will also have an object as well.
Here, a distinction between transitive and ditransitive needs to be made again. When the location is the
focus of the sentence, the meaning of the sentence is determined by whether the verb is transitive or ditransitive.
Remember that all transitive verbs act on objects. So, if the verb is transitive and conjugated with an ending -an,
then the verb is done for the location. In other words, the object is acted upon for the location. If the verb is
ditransitive then the verb acts on the location. That means that the action is done to the location directly. The first
set of examples are ditransitive location focus sentences. The second set of examples are transitive benefactive
focus sentences. If this concept is still confusing, notice the English translations of the sentences.
Examples: Gitabangan namo ang tigulang nga lalake. We helped the old man.
Tudloan niya sila. She will teach them.
Action Actor Location (Focus)

Gitabangan namo ang tigulang
Tudloan niya sila
Example: Gipalitan niya ang bata og pan. She bought bread for the child.
Tukoran kami og balay. A house will be built for us.
Action Actor Location (Focus) Object

Gipalitan niya ang bata og pan
Tukoran kami og balay
The steps to making an location focus sentence:

1) decide what tense the sentence is; future or non-future.
2) mark the focus /location with ang or an ang equivalent.
3) mark the actor with a sa, or og pronoun. (non-focus marker)
4) fill in the rest of the sentence, marking the object with its individual marker.
You will notice in the examples above that the focus /location of each sentence is a person. As
discussed before, most location focus sentences will focus on people and not places. Remember that the focus is
where the action stops. When the focus is a person the sentence is read to whom, or for whom was this action done.
For example, to whom was help given? or, to whom is the teaching given? or, for whom was the bread bought? It is
a little tricky at first, but once you can think of people as locations then it will click.
Now, we will discuss in more depth why most location focus sentences focus on people and not places. As
was stated earlier, one of the qualifications of a focus is that it is the most specific part of the sentence and that
everything else in the sentence describes or modifies it. In most sentences, the location is just filling in more
information about the actor or object of that sentence. For example, it is where someone ate or where something was
eaten. Another reason is because of the interaction argument stated earlier in this supplement. It is impossible to
interact with places. Still, another answer to this question is found when we analyze the question word, where.
When I ask you where you are going I am only interested in your destination. I already know who is going. It is
obvious that you are going. Even so, in Cebuano, the question where are you going? is an active voice question.
That just means that the actor, you, will always be a Focus pronoun. So, when I ask you where are you going, I am
focusing on who, but giving a sort of second emphasis to where.
Example: Asa ka moadto? Where are you going?

Asa ka motukod og balay? Where will you build a house?
Response: Moadto ako sa tindahan. I am going to the store.

Motukod ako og balay sa ciudad. I will build a house in the city.
The marked focuses of the sentences are you and I. The location is marked as sa. Yet despite this, the
implied emphases from common speech are the store and the city. It wouldn’t be grammatically correct to answer
these sentences with true location focus sentences since the true focuses of the sentences are actually the actors.
This secondary emphasis is actually seen quite consistently throughout the language, and usually in regard to this
same limitation in focusing on a location.
One more problem with focusing directly on a place in Cebuano comes about when we consider the
grammatical meaning of adding an -an to a transitive verb. If a transitive verb is conjugated with -an, it points to the
focus as a beneficiary of some action. So, something was done for someone, not to them. Watch how that changes
the meaning of our examples from above:
Example: Asa ka moadto? Where are you going?

Asa ka motukod og balay? Where will you build a house?
Response: Adtoan nako ang tindahan. I am going for the store.

Tukoran nako ang ciudad og balay. I will build the house for the city.
Note: In some words, the ending 'd' of the word changes to an 'r' when suffixes are added. Tukod + an
changes to Tukoran etc. This is explained in the word break down section of this supplement.
These examples show that the questions can't grammatically be answered in passive voice due to the
meaning that -an and a transitive verb imply. A common answer to the above question is simply, sa tindahan or sa
ciudad. So, it is common practice to use active voice when a place is the focus of the sentence. It is important to
note that this does not hold true for people since you can interact with a person, and a person can be the most
important thing in a sentence. So, when the recipient of an action is a person, the sentence must be done in passive
voice.
Now, there are times when it is correct and common to use location focus in respect to places. In fact there
are times that you don't have a choice but to make the sentence passive.
Example:
Nindot ang lugar nga among giadtoan. The place where we went was neat.
Ngano'ng dili nimo'ng tukoran ang bungtod og balay? Why don't you build a house on the hill?
In these examples it is correct to use location focus because they are not answering a direct where question.
It is only with the question word where that active voice is used instead of passive voice. You will also see that
everything in the sentence actually does describe or modiy the location. It is truly the most specific part of the
sentence. Such sentences are extremely rare though in common speech and should be kept to a minimum. The
general rule is that you can't focus on a place in a Cebuano sentence.
IMPERATIVES
The word imperative in English means necessary or essential. So, a grammatical imperative is usually seen
in the form of a command. When we feel something must be done, we express its importance by pleading or
demanding that it be done. Many times when we implore someone to do something, or issue a command, we do not
specifically include the actor of the sentence. Instead of saying, "You do that" we simply say, "Do that" because it is
obvious whom we are commanding. Also, all commands must be in future tense since it is impossible to command
someone to do something in the past.
CONJUGATIONS
Voice: Active Passive
Pag- -a, i-
-i
Whenever the command is given in active voice either the verb affix pag is used or an affix isn't used at all.
In passive voice, there are three affixes that are used. They correspond to the affixes used in both Object and
Location focus sentences. If you were issuing a command that focuses on an object, you would use the -a which
corresponds to the -on affix, or you would use the i- (which is the other object affix). Which affix you use depends
on whether the verb being used is transitive or ditransitive. Remember that you use -on (-a) with transitive verbs
and i- with ditransitive verbs. If you are issuing a command that focuses on a location, you would use the -i which
corresponds to the -an affix.
In order to know which affix to use when using imperatives, it is necessary to understand the difference
between an object and a location. We will review this just for clarity. An object in Cebuano is a part of speech that
shows neither direction nor location. It is simply the what in the sentence. There is no implied purpose for acting
on it other than to fulfill the action at hand. This may seem confusing at first, but with practice it becomes clearer
how to identify objects. A location on the other hand is the part of speech in Cebuano that shows direction or has
reference to a person. Sometimes there will be an implied purpose for acting on the location. It is important to note
that imperatives that focus on places follow the same patterns as Location focus sentences in that they use the active
equivalent instead of the passive affix -i. This is shown in example 3. They can also be stated with the object affix
and a directional. Consider these examples:
1. Tawga siya 1. Call him! (get his attention)

Tawagi 'ko unya Call me later.
2. Itudlo ang hisgutanan 2. Teach the discussion

Tudloi ang pamilya Teach the family
3. Lutoa ang isda 3. Cook the fish

Pagluto sa kaha or Cook in the pan
Lutoa sa kaha Cook in the pan
Each of the examples above show two sentences, one where the object was the focus and one where the
location was the focus. The first example demonstrates different uses or meanings of the verb call. In the first
sentence, someone was being told to get the attention of someone else. They were not calling to someone, nor was
there an implied action being done (such as relating a message). They were just calling someone (their name). So,
the him in the sentence was the object of the sentence. The second sentence though was an instruction to call to
someone with the intent of relating a message or having a conversation. So, the me in the sentence was not an object
but a location. The second example is one that you should be somewhat familiar with from the passive section of
this supplement. The discussion is what is being taught, and the family is where or to whom the discussion is being
taught. So, the discussion is the object of the sentence and the family is the location. The last example is deals with
what is being cooked and where it is to be cooked. The pan is where the fish is to be cooked. So, the fish is the
object and the pan is the location in the sentences. Notice that the second two sentences of example 3 that although
a location is implied as the emphasis, it is not the focus. The sentences are still actor and object focus sentences
respectively because you can't focus on places. These two sentences give emphasis to the location because the true
focuses of the sentences are left out. This omitting of the focus should not be used if the sentence is not an
imperative. Anyway, these examples should give you an idea on how to identify objects and locations and more
importantly how to tell them apart.
Once that you have decided whether you are focusing on an object or a location, then you can choose the
appropriate affix and state the command. Remember that if the location is a place then you need to use the active
affix pag or an object focus affix with a directional. If you are focusing on who is to do the action (actor) it is
important to remember that pag- should be used if you choose to conjugate the verb.
Also, since an imperative sentence is meant to be short and to the point, you should only include
information that is necessary to the understanding of the command. Don't defeat the purpose by using long formal
sentences.
Example: You eat the fish on the table.
Imperatives:
1. Pagkaon ka!, Kaon ka! You eat!

2. Kan-a ang isda! Eat the fish!
3. Pagkaon sa lamesa! Eat at the table!
Kan-a sa lamesa Eat at the table!
The actor focus command consists of a verb and an actor and that is sufficient. You don't need to include
anything else. The object focus command consists of a verb and an object and nother else. Likewise, the two
sentences that give emphasis to the location consist of a verb and a location. They don't even include the focus of
the sentence. The focus is intentionally left out to give emphasis to the location. Again, imperative sentences are
not intended to be formal or verbose. They are to be short and to the point.
EXISTENTIALS
Since there really aren't any to be verbs in the Cebuano language a set of pseudo verbs must be used to
show the existence of an object. They can roughly be construed to mean have when used with a pronoun, but their
true meaning is simple that something exists at the person. Originally there was just one word for there exists,
aduna, and one word for there doesn't exist, wala. (They can also mean have and have not.)
The present and past tense locative terms are now also used as existence terms. Their literal meaning is that an
object has existed or presently exists somewhere. (There are four terms expressing different relative distances from
the speaker: For present tense the terms are adia, ania, anaa, and atua. For past tense the terms are diri, dinhi,
diha, and didto.) These terms give the helpful addition of relative location to the existing object. For more
clarification on the locative terms, see the following Where Chart. Also another existence word, may, has been
borrowed from Tagalog. Its grammar structure is a little different than the other existence terms and is more
convenient in certain situations.
These terms can be used alone to show the mere existence of some object, or they can be used with the
focus pronouns to show who has the object. The existence terms are used in conjunction with the floating y, which
is used to denote a general object. The 'y must always be directly in fornt of the object in order to mark it as what
exists, and if there is a pronoun, to link it to who is in possession of the object. Because of the structure of these
existence phrases, the 'y is contracted to the existence term or to a focus pronoun.
Notice the structure of the existence phrase examples below:
Aduna'y basahon There is (exists) a book

Aduna ko'y basahon I have a book
May basahon There is (exists) a book

May basahon ako I have a book
Wala'y basahon There isn't a book, (doesn't exist)

Wala ko'y basahon I don’t have a book
The existence term always comes first. It is then followed by the contracted 'y or a focus pronoun. If a
pronoun comes next like the ako in the first and last examples, then the floating y will be contracted to the pronoun
instead of the existence term. Remember that the 'y must always directly precede the object being claimed to exist.
It is a marker just like the other markers. It also seems to link the pronoun to the object and for that reason the 'y is
contracted to the pronoun. You can see though that in the example with may, the pronoun follows the object instead.
The 'y in may is part of the word and can't be taken away and contracted to the pronoun. Instead, the may always
directly precedes the existing object in an existential sentence. Notice also that in order to show that something
doesn't exist only the wala is used. Wala is always used to negate existence because it means none. It is incorrect to
try to show its existence with aduna or may and then negate the phrase with dili, or wala. This is common error
made by beginning speakers. The following sentences are examples of this common mistake.
Dili ako aduna'y basahon or Wala may basahon ako.
Another important thing to remember is that the floating y is used here instead of ang because we are
referring to the existence of a general object. That is an object that is preceded (in English) by a or some or any etc.
You would never ask: Is there the book on the table? or Do you have the family? We instead ask, Is there a book
on the table? or Do you have a family? We do this because we are not asking for information on the existence of a
certain book or family. If we want to inquire about specific objects then we have to used a different structure in
which we do use ang to denote the specific object. This will be covered later. First, we need to see how the present
locative terms have been incorporated into the category of existence pseudo verbs.
In cebuano, there are three different words for where. They are time dependent. If we are asking where
something will be in the future then we use the future where form, asa. For locations of objects in the present we
use hain, and for the past we use diin. All of this is explained further by the Where Chart in this supplement. We
are just going to concentrate on the present and past tense locative terms. If we were to refer to an object being a
certain distance from us right now, then we would also be implying its existence. That is exactly the reason why the
present locative terms now also act as existentials.
For example, if I were to tell you that there was Sprite at the store it would be the same as saying that there
exists Sprite at the store or that the store has Sprite. This sentence could be written for four different distances to the
store, but they all use the existential sentence structure as stated above. Here are the examples with context:
Dia'y Sprite (diri) sa Tindahan. (Store tender inside the store speaking)
Nia'y Sprite (dinhi) sa Tindahan. (Friend at the store with you speaking)
Naa'y Sprite (diha) sa Tindahan. (Companion speaking while pointing to store)
Tua'y Sprite didto sa Tindahan. (Member speaking of the store in town)
Aduna'y Sprite sa Tindahan. (Anyone could be speaking about any store)
In answer to a question about where an object is presently located (hain), You use the four terms above
with the contracted y linking them to the object. The four terms, dia, nia, naa, and tua show relative distance of the
object to the speaker. From the contexts mentioned above you should be able to gather what distance each of the
terms represents. Dia refers to an object that is closer to the speaker than the hearer. Nia refers to an object that is
equally close to the speaker and hearer. Naa then refers to an object that is closer to the hearer than the speaker.
And last, Tua refers to an object that is far from both speaker and hearer. Most of the time it refers to an object that
isn=t in sight. When these four terms are used you give a relative distance to the object that you are claiming to
exist. The example using aduna shows the continuity of the sentence structures, but is a pure existence statement
without giving the relative distance of the object. Note: Naa also is now often used as a pure existential without
relation to location.
Once you know the basics of existential sentence structure you can form questions about the existence of
objects. To do this you simple add the Cebuano question marker ba into the sentence. Remember though that ba
comes before most all the pronouns in the order of a sentence. The only pronoun that precedes ba is ka. In short, ba
comes second in the sentence except for when there is a pronoun or word the same length or shorter than it. Then it
will directly follow the shorter word. Examples of words that shift ba into third place in the sentence are ka, na, and
pa. One more thing to remember is that the floating y or may must directly precede the object in the sentence. At
times the y is contracted to the question marker ba when word order conflict occur as with ba and ka. Here are a
few examples of forming existence questions.
Aduna ba mo'y quarta? Do y'all have any money?

Naa ba ta'y pagkaon? Do we have food?
Aduna ka ba'y pamilya? Do you have a family?
Tua ba'y snow sa America? Is there snow now over in America?
May pelete ba siya? Does s/he have money for the fare?
Wala ba siya'y buhaton? Doesn't he have something to do?
From these examples you can see the different things that occur when you add ba to the sentence to make it
into a question. In the first example, since ba is shorter than kamo it comes second in the sentence, before kamo.
When we talk about word length we are referring only to the base word length and not its short-cutted form. Thus
we don't compare ba and mo. The correct comparison is between ba and kamo.
The second example uses naa in a general sense without relation to distance. Kita is shortened to ta and the
floating y is contracted to it forming ta'y. Again, the ba comes before kita. In the third example, we see the order
conflict between ba, ka and the floating y. Because ka is the same size as ba, it comes before it in the sentence.
Then, since the 'y must directly precede the object in the sentence it contracts onto the ba forming ba'y.
The next example uses tua to show that the snow in question is way over in America. Since there is no
pronoun in the sentence, the floating y attaches to the ba and directly precedes the object. The next example shows
how the structure is adapted for may in which the 'y cannot be separated or moved. Because the 'y must directly
precede the object, the ba then comes after the object but still precedes the pronoun. If the pronoun in the last
sentence were ka though then the ba would have been kicked all the way to the end of the sentence because ka is the
same size as ba and therefore comes before ba. These examples should give you the base needed to understanding
the structure of existential questions. Last, there is an example of using wala in a question. Wala is always used to
negate existence claims. It literally means that there is none.
WERE CHART
Future Present Past Unto Non-time Ang Og / Sa
Where Asa Hain Diin Motion Location This That
Niiri,
Here (C) Ari Dia Diri Ngari Diri Kiri, Kari
Niari
Here (B) Anhi Nia Dinhi Nganhi Dinhi Kini Niini
There (L) Anha Naa Diha Nganha Diha Kana Niana
There (F) Adto Tua Didto Ngadto Didto Kadto Niadto
(The C means closer to the speaker than the listener, the B means close to speaker and listener, the L means
closer to the listener than the speaker, and the F means far from both speaker and listener).
The purpose of this chart is to help clarify the use of these Demonstrative and Locative terms.
Demonstrative refers to the Ang, Og, and Sa terms, and Locative refers to the Asa, Hain, Diin, Unto, and Non-time
terms. The Locative terms are grouped above according to tense and relation. The tense refers to 'when' something
is located somewhere (will be in the Future, is now in the Present, and was in the Past), and the relation refers to
where they are in relation to the speaker.
When asked where something will be in the future (Asa), it is appropriate to answer with the locative terms
in the Future column. Which term you use depends on where the object will be in relation with the speaker.
Example:
Question: Asa ka paingon? Answer: Anha ka sa tindahan.
These terms are also conjugated and used as verbs of 'going' in respect to their distances from the speaker (moadto,
nianha, mianhi, etc).
When asked where something is now (Hain), it is appropriate to answer with the locative terms in the
Present column. Which term you use depends on where the object is in relation with the speaker.
Example:
Question: Hain ang bolpen nako? Answer: Nia ang bolpen nimo.
When asked where something was (Diin), it is appropriate to answer with the locative terms in the Past
column. Which term you use depends on where the object was in relation with the speaker.
Example:
Question: Diin ka gikan? Answer: Didto ka sa simbahan.
The terms in the Unto column imply motion (like coming unto Christ). They are used to show that the
action covered distance. Non-time simply means that the terms mark a location (Sa) without any relation to time.
This is just simply where something exists or where something happens at any time. The Demonstrative terms under
the Ang and Og/Sa columns are actually pronouns meaning this and that. They are grouped above as Focus/Non-
focus and relation. The terms in the Ang colum refer to this/that when they are the Focus of the sentence. The terms
in the Og/Sa column refer to this/that when they are not the Focus of the sentence. The relation refers to where they
are in relation to the speaker, and also determines whether the term means this or that. If something is here in
relation to the speaker, then it is this, but if it something is there in relation to the speaker, then it is that.
WORD BREAK DOWN
KA- AN -- grandizes, makes a "firm" noun, achievement of state, Can pluralize root
Kalibutan, kasayuran, kalampusan
KA -- Co-word, companions, state of being
Kauban, Kasakay, Kaguol
KA -- used with adjective, emphasis
Kadako, Kadugay, Kabaho
KA - ON -- on the verge of happening
Kaulanon, kasuka-on, kaihion
PAG -- makes a verb into a noun, Infinitive
Pagkaon, Pagkanta, Pagampo
PAGKA -- The condition of being, 'ship, Time of happening (past/present)
Pagkabuotan, Pagkabanhaw, Pagkakaron
PANG -- Having to do with, for.., Plural for Pag

Pangbabae, Panglawas
MANG/NANG -- Plural for Mag/Nag
Manganta, Mangutana, Nangawat
MA- ON -- makes an adjective or adverb of root
Mahilakon, Malipayon, Mahunahunaon
MA or -ON -- Makes root into an adjective or adverb
Maayo, Mahugaw, Hilumon
-IN- -- Having to do with, in the manner of, After first letter unless a vowel. The object of…
Sinulat, Linuto, Inadlaw
-NON -- "Like" the root word, ie, Heavenlike
Langitnon, Diosnon, Batan-on
-L+ first vowel -- a specific "type"
Buluhaton, (Mag)Balantay, Tulumanon
PA -- causes "word" to happen
Paambit, Pasaylo, Padala
-AN, ANAN -- makes word an object or place, Adjective characterizing a person
Ginikanan, Lingkoranan, Higdanan, Kwartahan
-HANAY, -AY -- interactive, between people
Istoriahanay, Paambitay, Tinabangay
PAMA -- Personal, Pertaining to you
Pamaagi, Pamatasan
INIG -- when something happens (future)
Inigabut, Inigbutang, Inigmata
IKA -- ability, what can be done by actor (passive), Time when something was accomplished (ability)
Ikatabang, Ikasulti, Ikahuman
PAKIG -- two-way, between people
Pakigsabut, Pakigsaad, Pakigsulti
-HI -- changes from transitive to intransitive, characterizes an involuntary act, nonvolitional

Mahiubos, Nahigugma, Nahimuot
TING -- the season of, characterizing climate, group of like things
Tingulan, Tingbayad, Katinguban
PINAKA-- the "most", superlative
Pinakanindot, Pinakasayon, Pinakataas
KINA- AN-- the "most", superlative
Kinagamyan, Kinamanghuran, Kinadakan
PALA-- describes someone who does something habitually
Palahubog, Palaaway,
A FEW OTHER RULES
When root words that end in a "d" have suffixes added to them, the "d" changes to an "r".
Tuod = Kamatuo"r"an, Sayud = Kasayu"r"an
When C V C V C, consonant vowel etc roots take a passive conjegation, (-An or -On), the second vowel is
dropped and -AN, -On is added.
Putol = Putlan, Patay = Patyon, Sugod = Sugdan
OTHER EXAMPLES
PAGKAMATINUDANON FAITHFULNESS
PAGKA- MATINUDANON condition of

MA- TINUDAN -ON adverb
T -IN- UDAN having to do with
TUD -AN characterizing person
TU + O D add in vowel TRUE
PAGKAMASULUNDANON OBEDIENCE
PAGKA- MASULUNDANON
MA- SULUNDAN -ON
SU -LU- NDAN specific type of 'root'
SUND –AN
SUNOD FOLLOW
MAGSINABTANAY UNDERSTANDING
MAG- SINABTANAY active verb conjugation
SINABTAN -AY interactive, between people
S -IN- ABTAN having to do with
SABT -AN characterizing person
SABOT UNDERSTAND
APPENDIX
TRANSITIVE AND DITRANSITIVE VERBS
Now, we need to define Transitive and Ditransitive. Verbs can be either Transitive or Ditransitive
depending on where the action stops. Transitive and Ditransitive are in the definition and context of a verb. So, a
verb is Transitive or Ditransitive depending on the meaning that it is portraying. This is how we determine whether
a verb takes the i- or -on in Object Focus, whether it takes the i- or -a in Imperatives, and whether a verb becomes
Benefactor or Location Focus when focusing on a person.
A Ditransitive verb is one whose action continues past the Object to the Location, or one that can act upon
the Object and Location. So, in short, If a verb needs a Location or recipient to fulfill its action then it is
Ditransitive. Some examples of Ditransitive verbs are Tudlo, Paambit, and Labay.
1) Nagtudlo ako og hisgutanan kang Gina = I taught a discussion to Gina.

Both the discussion (Object) and Gina (Location) were taught.
2) Mopaambit sila og mensahe kanimo = They will share a message with you.
The sharing does not stop on the message, but goes on to you, the Location.
3) Nilabay siya og bula kanako = He threw a ball to me.

When an object is being moved or displaced it needs a destination even if only implied.
A Transitive verb is one whose action stops on an object, or one who doesn't need a location in order to fulfill its
action. Some examples of Transitive verbs are Himo, Kuha, and Kaon.
1) Naghimo ako og balay = I made a house.

The action of making was completed on the house or object.
2) Nikuha siya sa bolpen = She took the pen.

The action of taking happened to the pen or the object.
3) Mokaon ba kamo og baboy = Do ya'll eat pig?

The action of eating is completed on the pig.
In Object Focus, Transitive verbs take the -on, and Ditransitive verbs take I-, if conjugated for future tense. In past
tense both types o f verbs take gi-.
Ditransitive Examples:
Itudlo nako Ang hisgutanan kang Gina = I will teach the discussion to Gina.
Ipaambit nila Ang mensahe kanimo = They will share the message with you.
Ilabay niya Ang bula kanako = He will throw the ball to me.
Transitive Examples:
Himoon nako Ang balay = I will make the house.

Kuhaon niya Ang bolpen = She will take the pen.
Kan-on ba ninyo Ang baboy = Will ya'll eat the pig?
Note: You will notice that when the focus of the examples was changed from Actor focus to Object focus, the
objects in the examples were no longer non-specific, a message or a pen, but became specific, the message
and the pen. This automatically happens when you choose a focus because you can’t focus on anything
that is non-specific. Ang, the focus marker, is always specific and is equivalent to the English article, the.
VERB AFFIX CHART
ACTOR FOCUS OBJECT FOCUS LOCATION FOCUS
FUTURE: MO- I-, -ON -AN

MAG-
MAKA- MA- MA- root –AN
PRESENT: NAG- GI- GI- root –AN
PAST: MI, NI GI- GI- root –AN
NAKA- NA- NA- root –AN
IMPER: PAG- i- root, root -a root -i
DITRANSITIVE VS TRANSITIVE VERBS
An ditransitive verb is one whose action continues past the Object to the Location, or one who can act upon
the Object and Location. So, in short, If a verb needs a Location or recipient to fulfill its action then it is
ditransitive; i.e. tudlo, sulat, tabang etc. A Transitive verb, on the other hand, is one whose action stops on an
Object, or one who doesn't need a Location or recipient in order to fulfill its action; i.e. buhat, palit, basa etc.
It is necessary to be able to distinguish between ditransitive and transitive verbs when dealing with passive
sentences. In an Object focus sentence, which future affix is to be used depends on whether the verb in the sentence
is ditransitive or transitive. Ditransitive verbs are conjugated with i-, while transitive verbs are conjugated with -on.
Also, whether a sentence is Location focus or Benefactive focus depends on whether the verb in the sentence is
ditransitive or transitive. If the verb is ditransitive then the sentence will be Location Focus. This simply means
that the action is being done to someone. If the verb is transitive then the sentence will be Benefactor Focus. This
simply means that the action is being done for someone.
OBJECT VS LOCATION
In order to know which affix to use when using imperatives, it is necessary to understand the difference
between an object and a location. We will review this just for clarity. An object in Cebuano is a part of speech that
shows neither direction nor location. It is simply the what in the sentence. There is no implied purpose for acting
on it other than to fulfill the action at hand. This may seem confusing at first, but with practice it becomes clear how
to identify objects. A location on the other hand is the part of speech in Cebuano that shows direction or has
reference to a person. Sometimes there will be an implied purpose for acting on the location. Another check would
be to ask if the part of speech being discussed in the sentence is actually what is being done by the verb (object), or
if something else is being done by the verb to it (location). An example of this would be: I taught him. Is he what
was taught, or was something else actually taught to him? In this example, the him would actually be the location
since he was taught something…maybe a discussion?
BREAK DOWN OF AFFIXES

ACTOR FOCUS:
Mo-- 1) absolute future, will happen sometime in the future but does not have to have a specific time
attached
2) used for future actions that are planned.
3) used for habitual actions.
Mag-- 1) interactive events where more than one person is involved in the action.
2) future events that are progressive, do not start and finish at the same time.
3) immediate future, about to happen
Maka-- 1) future ability, it is possible for the action to happen, or you are able to perform it.
Nag-- 1) present action, something that is happening right now, or is not yet finished.
2) past action, something that was started and just finished.
3) interactive events where more than one person is involved in the action.
Ni /Mi- 1) absolute past, has happened or is completely finished.

2) action that was started and completed at the same time.
3) used in narrations
Naka-- 1) past ability, was possible for action to happen, or you were able to perform it.
2) accidental action, was not plan or intentional
OBJECT FOCUS:
I-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo and mag of active voice.
2) used on verbs that need a Location or recipient to fulfill their action. (ditransitive)
3) used for displacement or transfer of the object.
-on-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo and mag of active voice.
2) used on verbs that complete their action on the object. (transitive)
-hon-- 3) same as -on, but used on verbs that end in a soft vowel.
Ma-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of maka in active voice.
Gi-- 1) non-future conjugation which takes the place of ni/ mi and nag of active voice.
Na-- 1) past conjugation which takes the place of naka in active voice.
LOCATION FOCUS:
-an-- 1) future conjugation which takes the place of both mo and mag of active voice.
2) used when the focus is the location or recipient of the action.
-han-- 3) same as -an, but used on verbs that end in a soft vowel.
Ma- -an 1) future conjugation which takes the place of maka in active voice.
Gi- -an 1) non-future conjugation which takes the place of ni/ mi and nag of active voice.
Na- -an 1) past conjugation which takes the place of naka in active voice.
IMPERATIVES:
Pag- 1) active infinitive or command form, can be omitted and the verb left unconjugated.
-a 1) object focus command form for a transitive verb derived from the future -on conjugation.
i- 1) object focus command form for a ditransitive verb.
-i 1) location or benefactive focus command form derived from the future -an conjugation.
Eight Major Languages in the Philippines:
1. Tagalog
2. Cebuano
3. Ilocano
4. Pampanggo
5. Naga
6. Pangalatok
7. Ilonggo
8. Waray
There are 155 total languages and variations (dialects) thereof.
paak – bite
dokol – hitting head w/ knuckle of hand
sikad/patid – kick
kusi – pinch
sampalo – slap

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CEBUANO

MISSIONARY TRAINING CENTER

FOR MISSIONARY USE ONLY

TO THE MTC CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVES

#1: CEBUANO APHABET AND PRONUNCIATION -1-

#2: GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION -5-

#3: EXPANDED GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION -7-

#4: ASKING FOR ENGLISH / CEBUANO EQUIVALENTS -9-

#5: GRAMMAR STRUCTURE OVERVIEW -11-

#6: THE ANG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -15-

#7: THE OG SET OF NOUN MARKERS -19-

#8: THE SA SET OF NOUN MARKERS -23-

#9: NUMBERS -27-

#10: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS AND TASTE -31-

#11: USING ‘TO BE’ IN STATEMENTS AND QUESTIONS -33-

#12: TO HAVE / THERE IS (EXISTENTIAL) -39-

#14: VERB STRUCTURE OVER VIEW -45-

#15: ACTOR FOCUS VERB CONJUGATION -49-

#16: OBJECT FOCUS VERBS -55-

#17: LOCATION FOCUS VERBS -61-

#18: INTERROGATIVES -67-

#19: ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE NATURE, SMELL, SOUND AND COLOR -75-

#20: PSEUDO VERBS -77-

#21: DIRECTIONS AND SPECIFYING LOCATIONS -79-

#22: ASSORTED VERBS -81-

#23: NA / PA ADVERBS -85-

#24: CALENDAR AND CLOCK TIME -87-

#25: TIME ADVERBS -89-

#26: CONJUNCTIONS -91-

#27: VERBALS -93-

#28: ASSORTED VOCABULARY -95-

#29: ADVANCED CONJUGATIONS -97-

CEBUANO LANGUAGE OBJECTIVE #1

#1: CEBUANO ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION

BY THE END OF THIS LESSON YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

- Pronounce the letters in the Cebuano alphabet

THE CEBUANO ALPHABET (ABAKADA)

Abakada (alphabet). The abakada or the Cebuano alphabet consists of twenty

Note that k follows b and ng (new and different letter!) follows n.

a as in far, father (ah, like ‘‘Ah ha! Eureka!’’)

The consonant Ng (spelled nga).

ch sounds more like `sh`, as in the Spanish name Chavez.

English adopted letters. The following are English adopted letters:

Other adopted letters.

iy as in pew diyutay (small amount)

Other complex sounds are:

dy as `j` in dyip (jeep)

READING AND WRITING CEBUANO WORDS

1) Reading written language and pronouncing it correctly, and

Cebuano syllables. Cebuano is not a truly-written language, which means that

CVC-CV-CVC VC CV-CV-CV VC VC-CVC CV CVC-CV-CVC

Finally, dress the word by adding correct stress and intonation.

STRESS ON FIRST SYLLABLE: STRESS ON SECOND SYLLABLE:

hapon afternoon Hapon Japan

CATCH ON FIRST SYLLABLE: CATCH ON SECOND SYLLABLE:

Practice pronunciation by reading aloud the following Cebuano words:

VOCABULARY LIST FIGURE 1

#2: GREETINGS IN CONVERSATION

Maayong _. Maayon __ ‘sab/pod.

Kumusta ang _ _? (How is …)

Unsa ang sa ? ang sa __.

Kumusta _? Maayo man _.