mao kini ang
This Is What
Mao kini ang identifies this as a particular thing, person, reason or event.
How It Works
Mao kini ang akong gipasabot identifies this as what the speaker meant. Kini points to something near the speaker or currently being presented, while ang introduces the identifying noun phrase or nominalized clause.
The shortened mao ni and mao niy are frequent in conversation. The full form is also grammatical; it is not an error merely because the object is ordinary. Likewise, Kini ang... can be a complete identification without mao. Adding mao makes the identifying relation more explicit.
Use mao kana ang for that in the relevant discourse context. Do not treat mao as an obligatory equivalent of English is in every sentence. A simple adjective predicate has a different structure from identifying the one that has a property.
Examples (4)
- Mao kini ang akong gipasabut kanimo.
This is what I was explaining to you.
Word by Word: That-is-it this the my was-explaining to-you.
Here, the pattern introduces a specific thought or explanation that was previously mentioned.
- Mao kini ang tinuod nga nahitabo sa Sugbo.
This is the truth of what happened in Cebu.
Word by Word: That-is-it this the truth that happened in Cebu.
This uses the pattern to introduce a factual statement, common in news or formal reports.
- Mao kini ang hinungdan ngano nga mibiya siya.
This is the reason why he/she left.
Word by Word: That-is-it this the reason why that left he/she.
A classic use of the pattern to link a current situation to a specific cause.
- Mao kini ang bunga sa imong pagpaningkamot.
This is the fruit of your hard work.
Word by Word: That-is-it this the fruit of your efforting.
Used here to identify a result or consequence (bunga) in a formal, encouraging way.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'mao kini ang', you need to know how 'mao' functions as an identity marker, how the demonstrative 'kini' points to something near the speaker, and how 'ang' marks the specific topic or nominalized phrase being identified.
Related Patterns
- mao ni / mao na / mao toThis Is the One
These are the conversational equivalents of the 'mao kini' pattern, used in daily speech.
Level 2 - kini angThis Is the
A simpler version of the pattern that lacks the emphatic identifying particle 'mao'.
Level 3 - mao kana angThat Is What
The equivalent pattern for something near the listener ('That is what...').
Level 6 - ang hinungdan nganoThe Reason Why
Often follows 'mao kini ang' to explain the reason for an occurrence.
Level 4 - bunga saAs a Result of
Frequently used with this pattern to describe the result or 'fruit' of an action.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice mao kini ang in Bubblegum
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