si / ni / kang
Personal Name Markers
Cebuano uses a special set of markers—si, ni, and kang—exclusively for personal names. These tell you if the person is the topic, the owner/doer, or the destination of an action.
How It Works
In Cebuano, every noun phrase is introduced by a marker that indicates its grammatical 'case' or role. For personal names, this system is divided into three main categories:
- si (Focus): Used when the name is the main topic or subject of the sentence. See si for details.
- ni (Genitive): Used to show possession ('of Leo') or to mark the person doing the action in non-actor focus sentences ('by Leo'). See ni for details.
- kang (Oblique): Used for direction, location, or beneficiaries ('to/for/at Leo'). See kang for details.
Why this matters:
Cebuano grammar relies on these markers to clarify who is doing what. If you use the wrong marker, you might accidentally say 'The house is Leo' instead of 'Leo's house.'
Pluralizing Names:
To refer to a group (e.g., 'Maria and her friends'), the markers change to plural forms: sila si, nila ni, and kanila ni. You normally do not use the plural marker mga directly with a name.
Examples (5)
- Nagtuon si Maria.
Maria is studying.
Word by Word: Studying [focus marker] Maria.
'si' marks Maria as the topic/subject of the sentence.
- Kini ang awto ni Juan.
This is Juan's car.
Word by Word: This [focus marker] car [of] Juan.
'ni' indicates that the car belongs to Juan (possession).
- Gipalit ni Pedro ang saging.
The banana was bought by Pedro.
Word by Word: Was bought [by] Pedro [focus marker] banana.
'ni' marks Pedro as the actor because the verb is in patient focus.
- Ihatag kini kang Elena.
Give this to Elena.
Word by Word: Give this [to] Elena.
'kang' marks Elena as the recipient of the action.
- Nangaon sila si Jose sa gawas.
Jose and his companions ate outside.
Word by Word: Ate [they and] Jose at outside.
'sila si' is the plural focus marker used for a name and their associates.
Common Mistakes
Using 'ang' for personal names.
Gwapa ang Maria.Gwapa si Maria.'ang' is for common nouns; 'si' must be used for people's names.
Using 'mga' to pluralize a single person's name.
Different MeaningNiabot ang mga Maria.Niabot sila si Maria.'Niabot ang mga Maria' is good if several women are each named Maria. To say 'Maria and the others (with her)', use the plural personal marker 'sila si': 'Niabot sila si Maria.'
Using 'sa' for personal possession in formal speech.
Balay sa Leo.Balay ni Leo.While 'sa' is common for objects, 'ni' is the correct marker for a person's possession.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- ang / og / saCore Phrase Markers
This is the parallel marker system used for common nouns instead of personal names.
Foundations - siFocused Personal Marker
The specific focus marker for personal names within this system.
Level 1 - niGenitive Personal Marker
The specific genitive/agentive marker for personal names within this system.
Level 1 - kangOblique Personal Marker
The specific oblique/directional marker for personal names within this system.
Level 1 - sila si/ni + NameSomeone and Company
The plural versions of these markers used for groups associated with a name.
Level 2 - Focus And Participant Roles
The markers si, ni, and kang change based on the focus of the verb.
Foundations
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice si / ni / kang in Bubblegum
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