sama sa
Like / Same as
Use sama sa to compare two things that are alike or to introduce a list of examples.
How It Works
The pattern sama sa is a versatile tool in Cebuano for establishing similarity. It is used in several primary ways:
- Direct Comparison: Equating one thing to another (e.g., 'Her voice is like music'). In casual speech, the contraction murag is often preferred for this.
- Exemplification: Introducing a list of examples. When listing multiple items, it is common to add the plural marker mga (e.g., sama sa mga...). The synonym ingon sa can also be used here.
- Degree Comparison: When paired with the ka- prefix, it creates 'as [adjective] as' structures by comparing the degree of a quality (e.g., sama ka-dako, literally 'same in bigness').
- Predicate Usage: Sama can act as the main predicate to mean 'are alike' (e.g., Sama sila). Note that ingon cannot be used this way, as it would change the meaning to 'they said'.
- Standalone Adjective: Sama can function as an adjective meaning 'same' or 'identical' (e.g., sa sama nga adlaw - 'on the same day').
Grammatical Markers:
The word following sama depends on the noun type:
1. Common Nouns: Use sa.
2. Personal Names: Use kang in formal contexts or ni in casual speech.
3. Pronouns: Use the oblique (kanako-class) forms for formal speech or the genitive (nako-class) forms in casual speech (e.g., sama nimo).
Examples (6)
- Ang imong mga mata sama sa mga bitoon.
Your eyes are like the stars.
Word by Word: The your plural eye like to-the plural star.
A classic poetic comparison using 'sama sa' followed by a pluralized common noun.
- Sama kang Maria, kugihan usab si Ana.
Like Maria, Ana is also hardworking.
Word by Word: Like to-Maria, hardworking also [focus marker] Ana.
Demonstrates the formal use of 'kang' when comparing a specific person's name.
- Sama sila og hitsura.
They are alike in appearance.
Word by Word: Like they [marker] appearance.
Shows 'sama' functioning as a predicate to mean 'are alike' or 'are the same'.
- Gusto ko og mga prutas sama sa mga mangga ug saging.
I want fruits such as mangoes and bananas.
Word by Word: Want I [marker] plural fruit like to-the plural mango and banana.
Uses 'sama sa' with the plural marker 'mga' to introduce a list of examples.
- Dili siya sama kanimo.
He is not like you.
Word by Word: Not he like to-you.
Demonstrates the use of the formal oblique pronoun 'kanimo' after 'sama'.
- Ingon sa bulawan ang iyang kasingkasing.
His heart is like gold.
Word by Word: Like to-the gold the his heart.
Uses the synonym 'ingon sa' which is interchangeable with 'sama sa' in comparisons.
Common Mistakes
Using 'sama sa' when you mean his job.
Different MeaningNagtrabaho siya sama sa maestro.Nagtrabaho siya isip maestro.'Nagtrabaho siya sama sa maestro' is a good sentence, but it means he works like a teacher. Use isip to say what role he has: 'isip maestro'.
Using the wrong pronoun case.
Sama sa ako.Sama kanako.Learners often try to use 'sa' + a nominative pronoun. Instead, use the oblique form (kanako, kanimo, etc.) or the genitive form (nako, nimo) without 'sa'.
Omitting the 'sa' marker for common nouns.
Sama balay.Sama sa balay.Unless you are using a pronoun or a specific name, 'sama' almost always requires the marker 'sa' to link to the noun.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'sama sa', you need to be familiar with the oblique marker 'sa', which identifies the object or standard of comparison. It is also helpful to understand how Cebuano expresses similarity using related terms like 'pareho'.
- saOblique and Definite Marker
The pattern 'sama sa' uses the oblique marker 'sa' to link the comparison to the standard or object being compared.
Level 1 - pareho / parehasThe Same
Understanding basic equality and similarity markers provides the conceptual foundation for using 'sama' as a comparative term.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- muragSeems Like
The most common casual alternative for 'like' or 'seems like' in daily conversation.
Level 2 - isipAs / in the Role of
Used for 'as' in the sense of a role or function, whereas 'sama sa' is for similarity.
Level 4 - sama ka- / ingon ka-As ... as
The specific construction used for 'as [adjective] as' comparisons, comparing the degree of a quality.
Level 3 - ka- (kalidad)Degree or Quality Noun
The prefix used with 'sama' to turn an adjective into a noun of quality for comparison.
Level 3 - kangOblique Personal Marker
The marker used when comparing something to a specific person (e.g., sama kang Maria).
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice sama sa in Bubblegum
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