gikataho nga
It Was Reported That
Gikataho nga is the standard way to say 'It was reported that' in Cebuano news and official reports. It distances the speaker from the claim by citing a report (taho) as the source.
How It Works
The expression gikataho nga is built from the root taho (report/information).
- Morphology: It consists of the prefix gi- (indicating a completed or started action in the patient focus) + ka- (a stative/nominalizing prefix) + taho (report). Together, they form a passive reporting verb.
- The Linker: It must always be followed by the nga linker to connect the reporting frame to the actual information being shared.
- Register: This is a formal expression. You will see it daily in newspapers like SunStar Superbalita or hear it on radio news. In casual conversation, Cebuanos usually prefer kuno (reportedly/they say) or matod pa (according to).
- Evidentiality: Using this phrase signals that the speaker is not the original source of the information. It is often used when the information comes from the police, witnesses, or official documents.
Examples (4)
- Gikataho nga naay sunog sa Mandaue kaganinang buntag.
It was reported that there was a fire in Mandaue earlier this morning.
Word by Word: Was-reported that there-is fire in Mandaue earlier-this morning.
A classic news opening using the pattern to report a recent event.
- Wala hinuoy gikataho nga nakalas sa maong aksidente.
However, no one was reported killed in the said accident.
Word by Word: None however was-reported that died in-the said accident.
Here, the pattern is negated by wala to indicate a lack of reported casualties.
- Gikataho nga ang suspek nadakpan na sa mga otoridad.
It was reported that the suspect was already caught by authorities.
Word by Word: Was-reported that the suspect caught already by plural authorities.
This shows how the pattern introduces a specific fact attributed to official sources.
- Gikataho nga nitaas ang presyo sa lana karong semanaha.
It was reported that the price of oil went up this week.
Word by Word: Was-reported that went-up the price of oil this week.
Used here to report economic news or general updates.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the linker 'nga'.
Gikataho naay sunog sa siyudad.Gikataho nga naay sunog sa siyudad.In Cebuano, reporting verbs require the linker 'nga' to connect to the clause that follows. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.
Using 'gikataho nga' in casual gossip with friends.
Different MeaningGikataho nga ulitawo pa si Juan.Ingon nila nga ulitawo pa si Juan.'Gikataho nga ulitawo pa si Juan' is a correct sentence, but it sounds stiff, like a news anchor. Use 'ingon nila' (they say) or 'kuno' for informal hearsay.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'gikataho nga', you need to recognize the 'gi-' prefix which indicates a completed action in the patient focus, and the use of 'nga' to connect the reporting verb to the specific news or statement being shared.
- gi- (pokus sa butang)Gi- Started Patient Focus
The word 'gikataho' is the started aspect patient focus form of the root 'taho' (report), so understanding the 'gi-' prefix is essential.
Level 2 - ngaThat
The word 'nga' functions here as a complementizer to link the reporting verb to the clause containing the information being reported.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- kunoReportedly
The informal equivalent used in speech to indicate hearsay or reported information.
Level 3 - matod pa / kunoWritten Versus Spoken Hearsay
Used to attribute information to a specific person or source (e.g., 'According to the Mayor').
Level 5 - gipahibaloWas Announced
Means 'was announced'; used when an authority proactively releases information rather than just reporting an event.
Level 6 - Register Choice
This pattern is a prime example of the formal register used in Cebuano media.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice gikataho nga in Bubblegum
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