mahimo
Can Be Done / May
Mahimo is the formal Cebuano equivalent of 'can' or 'may.' It is used to ask for permission, state what is possible, or describe something turning into something else ('to become').
How It Works
1. Expressing Permission and Possibility
In its most common use, mahimo acts as a modal verb. While the Spanish loanword pwede is very common in casual speech, mahimo is the standard for formal, polite, or written Cebuano.
- Structure: It usually precedes the main verb and requires the ligature nga.
- Example: Mahimo nga mosulod ka. (It is possible/allowed for you to enter.)
2. Asking for Permission
To ask 'May I?' or 'Is it possible?', use the pattern Mahimo ba.... If a short pronoun like ko is used, it follows the second-position rule.
- Example: Mahimo ba ko nga mangutana? (May I ask a question?)
3. The Meaning 'To Become'
Mahimo also functions as a stative verb meaning 'to become' or 'to turn into.' In this context, it describes a change of state.
- Example: Mahimo siyang maestro. (He will become a teacher.)
4. Negation
To say something is impossible or not allowed, use dili before mahimo.
- Example: Dili mahimo. (It cannot be / It is not possible.)
Examples (5)
- Mahimo ba nga mangutana?
May I ask a question?
Word by Word: Possible [question marker] that ask?
This is the standard polite way to ask for permission using the ligature 'nga' to connect to the action.
- Dili mahimo nga mobiya ka karon.
It is not possible for you to leave now.
Word by Word: Not possible that leave you now.
Using 'dili' negates the possibility. This can mean either it's physically impossible or it's not allowed.
- Mahimo kining usa ka dakong problema.
This will become a big problem.
Word by Word: Become this-one a big problem.
Here, 'mahimo' functions as 'to become,' describing a future state.
- Mahimo ba ko nga mosulod?
May I come in?
Word by Word: Possible [question marker] I that enter?
Notice how the pronoun 'ko' moves to the second position, right after the question particle 'ba'.
- Mahimo nimong buhaton kana.
You can do that.
Word by Word: Possible by-you-link do that.
When the actor is in the genitive (nimo), the ligature -ng attaches directly to the pronoun.
Common Mistakes
Leaving out the linker 'nga' after 'mahimo'.
Different MeaningMahimo moadto ko.Mahimo nga moadto ko.'Mahimo moadto ko' is heard in speech. The fuller form 'Mahimo nga moadto ko' links the verb with 'nga', just as 'pwede nga' does.
Using mahimo for personal physical ability instead of makahimo.
Mahimo ko nga moalsa og bug-at.Makahimo ko nga moalsa og bug-at.While mahimo refers to permission or situational possibility, makahimo (using the maka- prefix) specifically refers to the physical or mental ability to do something.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'mahimo', you first need to be familiar with the concept of expressing possibility or permission (already introduced via 'pwede'). You also need to understand how to link this modal to other actions using the ligature 'nga' and how to form questions using 'ba'.
Related Patterns
- maka-Able to
Maka- focuses on the internal ability or skill of the actor, whereas mahimo focuses on external possibility.
Level 3 - nga / -ngThe Ligature
The ligature is required to link mahimo to the verb it modifies.
Foundations - Second-Position Words
Pronouns and particles must follow mahimo in a specific order in questions (e.g., Mahimo ba ko...).
Foundations - diliNot
Dili is used to negate mahimo to express impossibility or prohibition.
Level 1 - mahimong / nahimongBecome
These are the specific forms used when mahimo functions as the verb 'to become' in different aspects.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice mahimo in Bubblegum
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