karon / ugma / gahapon

Now Tomorrow and Yesterday

Level 1

Karon (now/today), ugma (tomorrow), and gahapon (yesterday) are the three primary time markers in Cebuano. They are independent words that usually appear at the end of a sentence or right after the verb.

How It Works

These three words are the foundation of time-telling in Cebuano:

  • Karon: Means 'now' or 'today.' To distinguish 'now' from 'later today,' use karon for the immediate moment and unya for a later time. The reduplicated form karon-karon is very flexible, meaning either 'just a moment ago' (immediate past) or 'in just a moment' (immediate future).
  • Ugma: Refers to tomorrow. While you can say ugmang buntag, it is much more natural in daily speech to say ugma sa buntag (tomorrow morning). It is always paired with not started verb forms.
  • Gahapon: Refers to yesterday. It must be paired with started verb aspects. To specify a time, use gahapon sa buntag (yesterday morning); the ligature -ng is not used with gahapon.

Emphasis with -a:
When referring to a specific time period today, like 'this morning' or 'this afternoon,' Cebuano speakers use the karong ... -a construction. For example, karong buntaga (this morning) or karong hapona (this afternoon). The -a suffix adds a sense of 'this specific' time.

Examples (5)

  1. Nagtuon ko karon.

    I am studying now.

    Word by Word: Studying I now.

    The verb uses the nag- prefix because the action is currently happening.

  2. Moadto ko sa tiyangge ugma sa buntag.

    I will go to the market tomorrow morning.

    Word by Word: Will-go I to-the market tomorrow in-the morning.

    Using 'sa' is the most natural way to link 'ugma' (tomorrow) with a specific time of day like 'buntag' (morning).

  3. Nikaon mi og mangga gahapon.

    We ate mangoes yesterday.

    Word by Word: Ate we (marker) mango yesterday.

    The verb uses the ni- prefix because the action was completed in the past.

  4. Mao ni ang akong gibuhat karong buntaga.

    This is what I am doing this morning.

    Word by Word: Is this the my done this morning-emphasis.

    When using 'karon' with a time of day, we often add the -a suffix for emphasis.

  5. Magkita ta unya.

    We will meet later (today).

    Word by Word: Will-meet we later.

    While 'karon' is for now, unya is used for a later time within the same day.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong verb aspect with a time marker.

    Mokaon ko gahapon.
    Nikaon ko gahapon.

    You cannot use a not started prefix (mo-) with a past time marker (gahapon). You must use a started prefix (ni- or nag-).

  • Using 'gahapong' with the time of day.

    Gahapong buntag nikaon ko.
    Gahapon sa buntag nikaon ko.

    'Gahapong buntag' may be heard, but the usual way to name the time of day is 'gahapon sa buntag'. See the ligature -ng.

How It Connects

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karon / ugma / gahaponLevel 1Now Tomorrow and Yesterday

Learn This First

To use basic time words effectively, you need to understand how Cebuano distinguishes between started and not-started actions, as these time words often dictate which verb aspect must be used. It is also helpful to know how to ask 'when' (kanus-a) to use these words in conversation.

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Words in This Pattern

ugma