bahin sa

About / Regarding

Level 3

Bahin sa is the standard way to say 'about' or 'concerning' in Cebuano. It is used to introduce the subject matter of a conversation, question, or document.

How It Works

In Cebuano, bahin sa is the most versatile and common way to indicate topicality. While it literally means 'part of,' it has grammaticalized into a preposition equivalent to the English 'about.'

1. Usage with Different Nouns:

  • Common Nouns: Use sa (e.g., bahin sa trabaho - about the work).
  • Personal Names: Use kang (e.g., bahin kang Jose - about Jose).
  • Pronouns: Use the oblique forms (e.g., bahin kanila - about them) or demonstrative genitives (e.g., bahin niana - about that).

2. Register and Nuance:
While bahin sa is neutral and used in almost all contexts, you may encounter sumala sa (according to) or mahitungod sa (concerning) in very formal or religious settings. Bahin sa remains the 'workhorse' for daily life, business, and news.

3. Distinction from 'Because of':
Learners often confuse 'about' with 'because of.' Use tungod sa for reasons/causes, and bahin sa strictly for the topic being discussed.

Examples (5)

  1. Naa koy pangutana bahin sa proyekto.

    I have a question about the project.

    Word by Word: There-is my question about the project.

    This shows the most common usage with a common noun using the marker 'sa'.

  2. Unsay imong ikasulti bahin niana?

    What can you say about that?

    Word by Word: What-is your can-say about that?

    Here, 'bahin' is paired with the demonstrative 'niana' (that) to refer to a previously mentioned topic.

  3. Naghisgot sila bahin kang Maria.

    They were talking about Maria.

    Word by Word: Talking they about [personal-marker] Maria.

    When the topic is a person, the marker 'sa' changes to 'kang'.

  4. Wala koy nahibaloan bahin kanila.

    I don't know anything about them.

    Word by Word: None my known about them.

    This demonstrates the use of 'bahin' with the oblique personal pronoun 'kanila'.

  5. Gusto ko makig-istorya nimo bahin sa presyo.

    I want to talk to you about the price.

    Word by Word: Want I to-talk to-you about the price.

    A common business or marketplace phrase using 'bahin sa' to introduce the subject of negotiation.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'sa' for personal names.

    Nag-istorya mi bahin sa Pedro.
    Nag-istorya mi bahin kang Pedro.

    Personal names require the personal oblique marker 'kang' instead of the common marker 'sa'.

  • Using 'bahin sa' when you mean 'because of'.

    Different MeaningNasuko siya bahin sa ulan.
    Nasuko siya tungod sa ulan.

    'Nasuko siya bahin sa ulan' is a good sentence, but it means he is angry about the rain (the rain is what he is upset about). If you mean 'because of,' use 'tungod sa'.

  • Using the indefinite marker 'ug' after 'bahin'.

    Nagbasa ko bahin ug kasaysayan.
    Nagbasa ko bahin sa kasaysayan.

    Topics introduced by 'bahin' are treated as specific entities, so the definite marker 'sa' is required.

How It Connects

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

bahin saLevel 3About / Regarding

Learn This First

To understand 'bahin sa' (about/regarding), you need to be familiar with the oblique marker 'sa', which indicates the object or topic of the phrase. It is also helpful to understand how demonstrative pronouns like 'ani' function, as they often follow 'bahin sa' in conversation.

Words in This Pattern