nga

That

Level 2

The nga complementizer acts as a bridge between a main verb (like 'know', 'say', or 'feel') and the specific information that follows. It is the same versatile particle used in Noun + nga + Adjective structures, here functioning to connect a whole clause instead of just a single word.

How It Works

The nga complementizer is the standard way to report speech, thoughts, or perceptions.

1. Morphological Rules:

  • -ng (Enclitic): Used when the preceding word ends in a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or the semi-vowels 'w' and 'y'. If the word ends in 'n', you simply add 'g' (for example, giingnan becomes giingnang). This rule applies universally to enclitic pronouns ending in vowels, so nako becomes nakong, mo becomes mong, niya becomes niyang, and nila becomes nilang.
  • nga (Standalone): Used when the preceding word ends in most other consonants (k, t, s, l, d, etc.).

2. Usage with Mental/Speech Verbs:
It typically follows verbs of cognition, perception, or communication. For example, miingon nga (said that) or kahibalo nga (know that).

3. Register and Omission:
In formal writing and clear speech, the full word nga is often used even after vowels for clarity or emphasis. However, in colloquial or rapid Cebuano, it is sometimes omitted, particularly after common verbs like ingon (say).

4. Statements vs. Questions:
Note that nga is only for statements. If you are reporting a question (e.g., 'I do not know if...'), you must use kung or kon instead.

Examples (5)

  1. Kahibalo kong taga-Bohol ka.

    I know that you are from Bohol.

    Word by Word: Know I-that from-Bohol you.

    The short pronoun 'ko' ends in a vowel, so the complementizer attaches to it as '-ng'.

  2. Giingnang wala siya dinhi.

    It was said that he is not here.

    Word by Word: Told-that not he here.

    The word 'giingnan' ends in 'n', so we simply add 'g' to attach the complementizer.

  3. Gibati nakong naay mahitabo.

    I feel that something will happen.

    Word by Word: Felt by-me-that there-is will-happen.

    The pronoun 'nako' ends in a vowel, so it takes the '-ng' form to connect to the next clause.

  4. Nagtuo kong ulahi na ta.

    I believe that we are already late.

    Word by Word: Believing I-that late already we.

    The short pronoun 'ko' ends in a vowel, so the complementizer attaches as '-ng'.

  5. Miingon siya nga dili siya modayon.

    He said that he will not proceed.

    Word by Word: Said he that not he will-proceed.

    Here, the full word 'nga' is used after 'siya'. In formal speech, the full 'nga' is often used even after vowels for clarity.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'nga' for reported questions.

    Nangutana siya nga moadto ba ko.
    Nangutana siya <grammar expression="kung / kon">kung</grammar> moadto ba ko.

    While 'nga' is used for statements, reported questions (like 'He asked if...') require kung or 'kon' instead.

  • Confusing 'nga' with the plural marker 'mga'.

    Miingon siya mga dili siya moadto.
    Miingon siya nga dili siya moadto.

    Mga (pronounced ma-nga) is for pluralizing nouns, while 'nga' is the linker. They are not interchangeable.

  • Writing the full 'nga' after a vowel.

    Different MeaningKabalo ko nga moadto siya.
    Kabalo kong moadto siya.

    'Kabalo ko nga moadto siya' is correct too. After a word that ends in a vowel, 'nga' often joins as '-ng' (Kabalo kong moadto siya), which sounds smoother, and this course shows that form.

How It Connects

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

ngaLevel 2That

Learn This First

To understand the 'nga' complementizer, you first need to be familiar with the basic ligature 'nga' used to link words. You also need to understand common verbs of cognition or state (like 'kahibalo') that typically trigger the use of a 'that' clause in Cebuano.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

And 4 more in the full list.

Words in This Pattern