mag-...-ay

Each Other

Level 3

The mag-...-ay pattern is the standard way to say 'each other' in Cebuano. It indicates that the action is being performed mutually by all participants.

How It Works

In Cebuano, reciprocal actions are expressed using a circumfix (a prefix and suffix working together).

1. Formation and Aspect
The pattern follows the standard aspect system:

  • Nag-...-ay: Used for actions that have started, are ongoing, or are habitual (e.g., Naghigugmaay sila - They love each other).
  • Mag-...-ay: Used for actions that haven't started, future intentions, or commands (e.g., Magtabangay ta - Let's help each other).

2. The -anay Variant
You will often hear -anay instead of -ay (e.g., mag-inawayanay). This is a common variant form. It is often used with roots ending in a vowel or to improve the rhythmic flow of the sentence. In some contexts, -anay can also suggest a more intensive or prolonged mutual exchange. Both are generally interchangeable.

3. Reciprocal vs. Social
While mag- alone can sometimes imply a group doing something together, the addition of -ay explicitly emphasizes the exchange. This is different from makig-, which usually implies one person initiating a social action with another, rather than a balanced mutual exchange.

Examples (5)

  1. Magtabangay kita para mahuman dayon ang trabaho.

    Let's help each other so the work will be finished immediately.

    Word by Word: Will-help-each-other we so will-finish immediately the work.

    Uses the 'mag-' form to express a suggestion or future intent to cooperate.

  2. Naghigugmaay silang duha sukad pa sa una.

    The two of them have loved each other since the beginning.

    Word by Word: Are-loving-each-other they-two since even at first.

    Uses 'nag-' because the state of loving each other started in the past and continues.

  3. Magkitaay ta sa mall unyang hapon.

    We will meet each other at the mall later this afternoon.

    Word by Word: Will-see-each-other we at-the mall later afternoon.

    A very common way to set a meeting, emphasizing the mutual act of meeting up.

  4. Nag-istoryaay ang mga managhigala sa gawas.

    The friends are talking to each other outside.

    Word by Word: Are-talking-each-other the [plural] friends at outside.

    Note the hyphen in 'nag-istoryaay' because the root 'istorya' starts with a vowel.

  5. Magbinayloay kita og mga ideya.

    We will exchange ideas with each other.

    Word by Word: Will-exchange-each-other we [object] [plural] idea.

    The root 'baylo' (change/exchange) becomes reciprocal to show a mutual swap.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong aspect for current actions.

    Mag-istoryaay sila karon.
    Nag-istoryaay sila karon.

    If the action is currently happening, you must use the 'nag-' prefix. 'Mag-' is for future or intended actions.

  • Adding 'usag usa' to a verb that already means 'each other'.

    Different MeaningNaghigugmaay sila sa usag usa.
    Naghigugmaay sila.

    'Naghigugmaay sila sa usag usa' is a good sentence. The -ay form already means 'each other', so 'usag usa' adds emphasis. The shorter 'Naghigugmaay sila' is simpler.

How It Connects

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

mag-...-ayLevel 3Each Other

Learn This First

The reciprocal pattern 'mag-...-ay' is built upon the standard 'mag-' actor focus conjugation. To understand it, you need to be familiar with how 'mag-' and its started-aspect counterpart 'nag-' function. Additionally, because reciprocal actions inherently involve multiple people acting on one another, you should be comfortable with plural pronouns like 'ta' (we) or 'sila' (they).

Words in This Pattern

-aymag-