mga + Number
About / Around
In Cebuano, the particle mga is most commonly known as a plural marker. However, when placed before a number, quantity, or time expression, it changes its function to an approximation marker meaning "about," "around," or "approximately."
How It Works
The particle mga (pronounced ma-ngá) serves two distinct roles based on its position in a sentence:
- Approximation: When it precedes a number or time, it means 'about'. For example, mga alas tres (around three o'clock).
- Plurality: When it precedes a noun, it indicates more than one. For example, mga libro (books).
Key Rules for Approximation:
1. Placement: It always comes before the number or time phrase.
2. Linker Requirement: When using a number with a noun, you must still use the linker ka after the number. Example: mga lima ka tawo (about five people).
3. Time Expressions: It is extremely common with Spanish-derived time. Example: mga alas dose (around twelve o'clock).
4. Shortening: In fast, casual speech, you will often hear it shortened to just ma (e.g., ma-alas tres).
Examples (4)
- Magkita ta mga alas kwatro sa hapon.
Let's meet around four o'clock in the afternoon.
Word by Word: Will-meet we about o'clock four in afternoon.
Here, 'mga' is used with a Spanish time expression to show the meeting time is not exact.
- Naay mga kawhaan ka tawo sa gawas.
There are about twenty people outside.
Word by Word: There-is about twenty (linker) people at outside.
Note that the linker 'ka' is still required between the number 'kawhaan' and the noun 'tawo'.
- Ang gilay-on mga duha ka kilometro.
The distance is approximately two kilometers.
Word by Word: The distance about two (linker) kilometers.
This demonstrates 'mga' used for measurements of distance.
- Mopalit ko og mga tulo ka kilo nga bugas.
I will buy about three kilos of rice.
Word by Word: Will-buy I (marker) about three (linker) kilo (ligature) rice.
Even when 'mga' is used for approximation, the object marker 'og' and the linker 'ka' remain in their standard positions.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the linker 'ka' when using 'mga' with a number.
mga lima tawomga lima ka tawoEven though 'mga' is present, you still need the linker 'ka' to connect a number to a noun.
Using 'mga' twice (once for approximation and once for pluralization).
mga tulo ka mga libromga tulo ka libroUsing 'mga' twice is redundant. The first 'mga' already implies that there are multiple items because it is modifying a number.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'mga' for approximation, you first need to understand the plural marker 'mga' itself and how to express specific times and numbers using Spanish-derived numerals.
Related Patterns
- mgaPlural Marker
This is the same particle used to mark nouns as plural.
Level 1 - Number + ka + NounCounting with Ka
The standard way to count items, which is often combined with 'mga' for estimates.
Level 1 - medyoSomewhat
Another way to express approximation or 'somewhat', though usually for qualities rather than quantities.
Level 2 - hapit naAlmost
Means 'almost', which is a specific type of approximation indicating something is nearly reached.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice mga + Number in Bubblegum
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