ang mao nga
The Said
ang mao nga (or ang maong) = "the said" / "the aforementioned"
Used in formal writing and news to refer back to a specific person or thing already discussed.
How It Works
In Cebuano, while everyday speech uses ang or demonstratives like kadto to refer to things, formal registers (journalism, legal documents, and scripture) utilize ang mao nga for precision.
1. Contraction:
Because mao ends in a vowel, it almost always contracts with the ligature to become ang maong. Both forms are correct, but ang maong is more common in fluid writing.
2. Pluralization:
To refer to multiple previously mentioned items, the plural marker mga is placed after the ligature. For example: ang maong mga dokumento (the said documents).
3. Register:
This is a Level 5 pattern because it is rarely heard in casual conversation. If you use it while buying fish at the market, you will sound like a news anchor or a lawyer. However, it is essential for reading Cebuano newspapers or formal reports.
4. Distinction from Conjunctions:
Do not confuse this with the standalone mao nga (without the leading ang), which means "that is why" or "therefore."
Examples (4)
- Gitahasan ang kapulisan sa pag-supervise sa maong pasilidad.
The police were tasked to supervise the said facility.
Word by Word: Was-tasked the police in the supervising of-the said facility.
This uses the contracted form 'maong' following the oblique marker 'sa' in a formal context.
- Gihinganlan na ang maong lugar og Nigad.
The said place was already named Nigad.
Word by Word: Was-named already the said place [marker] Nigad.
Here, 'ang maong' is the contracted form, which is very common in educational and administrative texts.
- Dili magdahum ang maong tawo nga makadawat siya og bisan unsa gikan sa Ginoo.
The said man should not expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.
Word by Word: Not will-expect the said man that will-receive he [marker] even what from the Lord.
A scriptural example showing how the pattern identifies a specific person previously described.
- Nadakpan na ang suspek sa pagpangawat. Ang maong lalaki anaa na sa prisohan.
The robbery suspect has been caught. The said man is now in prison.
Word by Word: Was-caught already the suspect in robbery. The said man is-there already in prison.
This demonstrates the anaphoric function: 'ang maong lalaki' refers back to 'ang suspek' mentioned in the first sentence.
Common Mistakes
Using 'ang maong' in casual conversation.
Different MeaningAsa ang maong kape?Asa ang kape?'Asa ang maong kape?' is a correct sentence, but it sounds like 'Where is the aforementioned coffee?' when you say it to a friend. In casual talk, just say 'Asa ang kape?'
Dropping the 'ang' marker.
Mao nga balay nindot kaayo.Ang maong balay nindot kaayo.Without 'ang', 'mao nga' functions as a conjunction meaning 'that is why'. 'Mao nga balay...' sounds like 'That is why [it is a] house...'
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'ang mao nga', you need to know how 'ang' marks a topic, how 'mao' functions as an identifier, and how the ligature 'nga' connects modifiers to nouns.
Related Patterns
- angFocused Phrase Marker
The basic definite article which 'ang mao nga' builds upon to add specific reference.
Level 1 - mao nga / maongThat Is Why
The conjunction form (without 'ang') meaning 'that is why', often confused by learners.
Level 3 - kining / kanang / kadtongDemonstratives Before a Noun
Demonstratives used in less formal speech to point to specific items.
Level 2 - Register Choice
This pattern is a primary example of high-register formal Cebuano used in media and law.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice ang mao nga in Bubblegum
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