buot

Intend / Want Formal

Level 5

Buot is the formal counterpart to gusto. It expresses a strong sense of will or deliberate intent. While rare in daily chat, it is essential for formal writing and the common phrase buot ipasabot (it means).

How It Works

1. Usage as a Pseudo-verb
In formal settings, buot is used to express what someone intends to do. It is structured as:
Buot + [Actor] + ligature + [Verb].

The actor can be in either the genitive case (nako, nimo, niya) or the nominative case (ako, ikaw, siya). Both are standard in formal Cebuano.

2. The 'Meaning' Idiom
The most common way you will hear this word today is in the phrase buot ipasabot. This literally translates to 'intended to be understood' and is the standard way to say 'it means' or 'what I mean is...' in semi-formal Cebuano.

3. Active Verb: Magbuot
Beyond formal intent, the root is used in the active verb magbuot, which means 'to decide,' 'to control,' or 'to boss someone around.' For example, Ayaw kog buota! (Don't tell me what to do!).

4. Noun and Adjective Derivatives
Buot refers to one's 'will' or 'disposition.'

  • Pagbuot: Discretion or will (e.g., 'God's will').
  • Buotan: A very common adjective meaning 'kind' or 'well-behaved,' literally 'having a good disposition.'

5. Register and Tone
Using buot instead of ganahan or gusto immediately shifts the tone to Formal, Literary, or Ecclesiastical. It is the language of the Bible, legal documents, and formal speeches.

Examples (6)

  1. Buot nakong ipahayag ang akong pasalamat.

    I wish to express my gratitude.

    Word by Word: Intend by-me to-express the my gratitude.

    This uses the standard formal structure with a genitive actor (nako) and the ligature (-ng).

  2. Unsa ang imong buot ipasabot?

    What do you mean?

    Word by Word: What the your intent to-be-caused-to-understand?

    This is a very common idiomatic use of 'buot' found even in daily speech when asking for clarification.

  3. Ayaw kog buota!

    Don't tell me what to do!

    Word by Word: Do-not me-genitive decide-on!

    This uses the verb form 'buot' in a command, meaning to control or boss someone around.

  4. Buot siya nga molakaw na.

    He intends to leave now.

    Word by Word: Intend he (ligature) to-go now.

    In formal registers, both nominative pronouns (siya) and genitive pronouns (niya) are standard when used with 'buot'.

  5. Buotan kaayo ang maong bata.

    The said child is very kind.

    Word by Word: Kind very the said child.

    The common adjective 'buotan' (kind/good) is derived from the root 'buot' (will/disposition).

  6. Matuman ang imong pagbuot.

    Thy will be done.

    Word by Word: Be-fulfilled the your will.

    A classic religious example using the noun form 'pagbuot' (will/discretion).

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the required ligature 'nga' or '-ng'.

    Buot nako moadto sa Sugbo.
    Buot nakong moadto sa Sugbo.

    Like most pseudo-verbs, 'buot' must be linked to the following verb using the ligature.

  • Using 'buot' in casual, everyday requests.

    Buot ko og tubig.
    Gusto ko og tubig.

    Using 'buot' to ask for water sounds like you are acting in a period drama or reading from a scripture. Use 'gusto' or 'ganahan' for daily needs.

  • Confusing 'buot' (want/will) with 'buhat' (do/make).

    Unsay buhat ipasabot?
    Unsay buot ipasabot?

    'Buhat' means to do or work. 'Buot' refers to the mind's intent. They are not interchangeable.

How It Connects

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

buotLevel 5Intend / Want Formal

Learn This First

Buot is a formal pseudo-verb meaning 'to intend' or 'to want.' To use it correctly, you must understand how pseudo-verbs like 'gusto' function, specifically how they link to other verbs using the ligature 'nga' and how they require the actor to be in the genitive case (nako, nimo, etc.) rather than the nominative case.

Words in This Pattern

buotbuot