pareho / parehas
The Same
Pareho and parehas are the primary ways to say 'the same' in Cebuano. They can describe identical objects, shared traits, or indicate 'both' people/things.
How It Works
In Cebuano, pareho and parehas are largely interchangeable, though pareho is slightly more common when meaning 'both,' while parehas is very frequent in casual speech for 'identical.'
1. Stating Equality of Attribute
To say two things share a quality (like height, color, or price), use the pattern: Pareho/Parehas + [Subject] + og + [Attribute].
Example: Pareho mi og gitas-on. (We are the same height.)
2. Comparing to Another
To say something is 'the same as' something else, use the markers sa (for objects/non-persons) or ni/kang (for people).
Example: Parehas ni Juan. (Same as Juan.)
3. Plural Subjects
When the subject is plural and you want to emphasize they are the same as each other, the prefix mag- or magka- is often added.
Example: Magkaparehas ang ilang sinina. (Their clothes are the same.)
4. Using as a Modifier
When used directly before a noun, you must use the ligature.
Example: Parehong libro. (The same book.)
Examples (5)
- Parehas ra ang presyo sa tanang tindahan.
The price is just the same in all the stores.
Word by Word: Same just the price at all stores.
Here, 'parehas' is used with the particle 'ra' (just/only) to emphasize that there is no difference in price.
- Pareho mi og gihunahuna.
We are thinking the same thing.
Word by Word: Same we of thought.
This uses the 'og' marker to link the shared attribute (thought/thinking) to the subjects (we).
- Magkapareho sila og nawong.
They have the same face / They look identical.
Word by Word: Becoming-same they of face.
The prefix 'magka-' indicates a state of being the same as one another.
- Pareho silang duha nga nindot.
Both of them are beautiful.
Word by Word: Same they-linker two that beautiful.
In this context, 'pareho' functions to mean 'both' or 'equally'.
- Parehas sa uban, gusto sab ko og kape.
Same as the others, I also want coffee.
Word by Word: Same as others, want also I of coffee.
Uses 'sa' to compare the speaker's preference to 'the others'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'sa' instead of 'og' for a shared attribute.
Pareho mi sa edad.Pareho mi og edad.When stating that two people share a quality (like age), use 'og'. Using 'sa' would imply 'I am the same as the age,' which is illogical.
Confusing 'pareho' (identity) with 'sama' (resemblance).
Pareho siya sa kasingkasing.Sama siya sa kasingkasing.Use 'sama' for 'like' or 'similar to' (resemblance). Use 'pareho' when things are actually the same or equal.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'pareho' or 'parehas', you need to understand how Cebuano forms sentences without a verb for 'to be' (zero copula). You also need to know how to use the 'og' marker to specify the attribute being compared (like age or price) and how enclitic particles like 'ra' modify the meaning.
- ang / og / saCore Phrase Markers
This pattern uses 'og' to link the quality being compared (e.g., 'pareho og edad') and 'ang' to mark the subject being compared.
Foundations - lang / raOnly / Just
The particle 'ra' is frequently used with 'parehas' (parehas ra) to emphasize that things are 'just' the same.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- sama saLike / Same as
'Sama sa' is used for resemblance (like/similar to), whereas 'pareho' implies identity or equality (the same).
Level 2 - ogIndefinite Non-Focus Marker
The 'og' marker is required to link 'pareho' to the specific attribute being compared (e.g., same 'of' color).
Level 1 - nga / -ngThe Ligature
The ligature is used when 'pareho' acts as an adjective modifying a noun directly.
Foundations - mas + AdjectiveComparative
While 'pareho' expresses equality, 'mas' is used to express inequality (comparatives).
Level 2 - lahiDifferent
'Lahi' is the antonym of 'pareho', meaning 'different' or 'distinct'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice pareho / parehas in Bubblegum
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