matag / kada
Every
Cebuano uses two main words for 'every': matag (native/formal) and kada (Spanish loan/casual). They both come directly before the noun they modify.
How It Works
In Cebuano, expressing frequency or distribution is done using matag and kada. While they are largely interchangeable, understanding their nuances helps you sound more natural.
- matag: This is the native Cebuano term. It is considered more formal, literary, and precise. You will encounter it frequently in written literature, formal speeches, and religious texts. It carries a sense of 'each and every' individual member of a group.
- kada: Borrowed from the Spanish cada, this is the most common form used in daily conversation. It is the 'default' choice for spoken Cebuano in urban areas and social media.
Grammar Note:
A common mistake for learners is trying to use the ligature because these words act like adjectives. However, you should not say kada nga adlaw. The correct form is simply kada adlaw.
Distinction from 'tag-':
Do not confuse these with the prefix tag-, which is used for prices or distribution (e.g., 'five pesos each'). Matag/Kada refers to the occurrence or the group members themselves ('every person'), not the rate of distribution.
Examples (5)
- Matag adlaw, mag-ampo siya.
Every day, he/she prays.
Word by Word: Every day, will-pray he/she.
Using 'matag' here gives a slightly more formal or habitual tone to the sentence.
- Kada buntag moinom ko og kape.
Every morning I drink coffee.
Word by Word: Every morning will-drink I (marker) coffee.
This is a very common, casual way to describe a daily routine using 'kada'.
- Gihatagan niya og tag-usa ka kendi ang matag bata.
He/she gave one candy each to every child.
Word by Word: Was-given by-him/her (marker) each-one (linker) candy the every child.
This shows the difference between 'tag-' (distribution: one each) and 'matag' (every child).
- Kada semana mi magduwa og basketbol.
Every week we play basketball.
Word by Word: Every week we (exclusive) play (marker) basketball.
Notice there is no linker between 'kada' and 'semana'.
- Matag usa kanato naay katungod.
Every one of us has a right.
Word by Word: Every one of-us has right.
In formal contexts, 'matag usa' is used to mean 'every single one'.
Common Mistakes
Using the 'taga-' prefix instead of 'kada' or 'matag'.
Taga-adlaw ko magtuon.Kada adlaw ko magtuon.The prefix taga- means 'from a place'. It cannot be used to mean 'every'.
Adding a linker (nga/-ng) after 'kada' or 'matag'.
Kada nga buntag.Kada buntag.Unlike most modifiers, 'matag' and 'kada' attach directly to the noun without a linker.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'matag' or 'kada' (every), you need to understand how to link modifiers to nouns using the ligature and be familiar with common time-related nouns that these words typically modify.
- nga / -ngThe Ligature
The ligature is often used to link 'matag' or 'kada' to the noun it modifies, especially when describing frequency.
Foundations - karon / ugma / gahaponNow Tomorrow and Yesterday
Understanding basic time words is essential for using 'every' (matag/kada) in context, such as 'every day' or 'every morning'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- tag-Each / Apiece
While 'matag' means 'every', 'tag-' is used for distributive amounts like 'three each' or prices.
Level 3 - taga-Person from
Learners often confuse 'taga-' (from) with 'matag' (every) due to the similar sound.
Level 3 - tananAll
'Tanan' means 'all', which is conceptually related to 'every' but functions differently in a sentence.
Level 2 - kanunay / usahayAlways and Sometimes
These are adverbs of frequency ('always' and 'sometimes') often used alongside 'kada' phrases.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice matag / kada in Bubblegum
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