ang uban
The Others
Ang uban is the standard way to partition a group. It can mean 'the rest' (everyone else) or 'some' (a subset), depending on the context.
How It Works
In Cebuano, ang uban is a versatile tool for grouping and partitioning. Its meaning shifts slightly based on how it is used:
- As a Pronoun ('The Others'): When a group has already been mentioned, ang uban refers to the remaining members. For example, 'Hain ang uban?' (Where are the others?).
- As a Partitive ('Some... others...'): It is frequently used in pairs to contrast two subsets of a group. 'Ang uban nikaon, ang uban natulog.' (Some ate, others slept).
- As a Modifier: When followed by a noun, it requires the ligature. The pattern is ang ubang + [noun]. For example, ang ubang tawo (the other people).
It is important to note that uban is also a verb root meaning 'to accompany.' However, when preceded by ang, og, or sa, it functions as a noun or adjective.
Examples (4)
- Ang uban nageskwela pa, samtang ang uban nagtrabaho na.
Some are still studying, while others are already working.
Word by Word: The others studying still, while the others working already.
This shows the partitive use where 'ang uban' contrasts two different groups.
- Hain na man ang uban?
Where are the others?
Word by Word: Where now [particle] the others?
Here, 'ang uban' refers to the rest of a group that is expected to be present.
- Ang ubang mga bisita wala pa mangabot.
The other guests haven't arrived yet.
Word by Word: The other [ligature] [plural] guests not yet arrived.
This demonstrates 'uban' as a modifier using the -ng ligature and the plural marker.
- Ihatag kini sa uban.
Give this to the others.
Word by Word: Give this to the others.
This shows the pattern using the sa marker for the oblique case (to/for others).
Common Mistakes
Using 'uban' when you mean 'a different one' (another).
Gusto ko og uban nga t-shirt.Gusto ko og laing t-shirt.Use lain for 'another' or 'different.' Use 'uban' only when referring to members of the same group or the remainder of a set.
Forgetting the ligature when 'uban' modifies a noun.
ang uban tawoang ubang tawoWhen 'uban' describes a noun, it needs a linker: either the -ng ligature ('ubang tawo') or the full 'nga' ('uban nga tawo'). Without a linker the phrase is incomplete.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'ang uban', you need to know how the marker 'ang' identifies a specific topic and how the root 'uban' (companion/with) functions as a noun meaning 'the rest' or 'the others' in a group.
- angFocused Phrase Marker
The pattern 'ang uban' uses the focused phrase marker 'ang' to designate 'the others' as the topic of the sentence.
Level 1 - uban sa / kaubanWith
Understanding the root word 'uban' (meaning companion or with) is necessary to understand its use here as a noun referring to 'others'.
Level 2 - mgaPlural Marker
While 'ang uban' is inherently plural, understanding how plurality is marked in Cebuano helps contextualize how 'uban' functions as a collective group.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- lain / laingAnother / Other
'Lain' means 'another' or 'different,' whereas 'uban' means 'others' within the same group.
Level 2 - tananAll
'Tanan' (all) is the opposite of 'ang uban' (some/the rest).
Level 2 - pipilaSome / a Few
'Pipila' also means 'some' or 'a few,' but 'ang uban' is more common when contrasting groups.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice ang uban in Bubblegum
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