ika- + Number

Ordinal Numbers

Level 2

The prefix ika- is used to create ordinal numbers (rank/sequence). For example, duha (two) becomes ikaduha (second). Note that 'first' is usually una, not ikausa.

How It Works

Ordinal numbers are essential for talking about birth order, rankings, or chapters.

1. Formation with Native Roots (2–10):
Simply attach ika- to the native root:

  • ikaduha (second)
  • ikatulo (third)
  • ikaupat (fourth)
  • ikalima (fifth)

2. The 'First' Exception:
While ikausa exists technically, it is almost never used. Native speakers use una (native) or primero (Spanish) for 'first'. For 'the very first' or 'foremost', the term kinaunhan is used.

3. Formation with Spanish Roots (11+):
For numbers above 10, Cebuano speakers typically use Spanish-derived numbers. The prefix ika- is still used, often with a hyphen:

  • ika-onse (11th)
  • ika-baynte (20th)

Native ordinals for 11+ (e.g., ika-napulo ug usa) exist but are primarily reserved for formal literature or the Bible.

4. Using the Ligature:
When an ordinal number modifies a noun, you must connect them using nga or -ng. Because most native ordinals end in a vowel, they usually take the -ng form.
Example: ikaduhang balay (second house).

5. Asking for Rank:
To ask 'Which one in the sequence?' or 'What rank?', use ikapila (from pila - how many).
Example: Ikapila ka nga anak? (Which child are you in the birth order?)

6. Rank vs. Frequency:
Be careful not to confuse ika- (rank) with ka- (frequency). Ikaduha means 'second', while kaduha means 'twice'.

Examples (4)

  1. Siya ang ikaduhang anak sa pamilya.

    He/She is the second child in the family.

    Word by Word: He/She [marker] second-linker child in-the family.

    Here, ika- is added to 'duha' (two) to mean 'second', linked to 'anak' (child) with -ng.

  2. Kini ang ikatulo nakong pagbisita sa Sugbo.

    This is my third visit to Cebu.

    Word by Word: This [marker] third my-linker visit to Cebu.

    Ikatulo (third) is formed from 'tulo' (three).

  3. Ikapila man kini nga higayon?

    Which time (in the sequence) is this?

    Word by Word: Which-rank [particle] this linker time?

    Ikapila is the interrogative form used to ask for a specific rank or sequence number.

  4. Naa na ta sa ika-onse nga kapitulo.

    We are now on the eleventh chapter.

    Word by Word: Is-here already we at-the 11th linker chapter.

    For numbers above 10, ika- is often attached to the Spanish-derived number (onse).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'ikausa' for 'first'.

    Siya ang ikausang anak.
    Siya ang unang anak.

    'Ikausa' sounds unnatural. Use 'una' for 'first' or 'kinaunhan' for 'the very first'.

  • Confusing 'ika-' (rank) with 'ka-' (frequency).

    Mianhi ko og ikaduha.
    Mianhi ko og kaduha.

    Use the prefix ka- (without the 'i') to say how many times something happened (twice). Use 'ika-' only for rank or position in a sequence (second).

  • Omitting the ligature 'nga/-ng'.

    ang ikaduha balay
    ang ikaduhang balay

    Ordinal numbers act as modifiers and require nga or -ng to connect to the noun they describe.

How It Connects

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

ika- + NumberLevel 2Ordinal Numbers

Learn This First

To form ordinal numbers (like 'second' or 'third'), you need to know the base native Cebuano numbers and how to link numerical modifiers to nouns using the ligature.

Words in This Pattern

ika-