matod pa / kuno
Written Versus Spoken Hearsay
Cebuano uses two main ways to report information you didn't witness yourself: the informal enclitic particle kuno (they say/allegedly) and the formal phrase matod pa (according to).
How It Works
In Cebuano, hearsay markers are essential for accuracy. Using the wrong one can make you sound like a news anchor in a coffee shop or a gossip columnist in a courtroom.
1. The Particle 'kuno'
- Function: Indicates general hearsay, rumors, or reporting what someone else said without necessarily naming them.
- Syntax: It is an enclitic particle. It must follow the first word of the sentence or the word it modifies.
- Nuance: It can imply a distance from the truth or even skepticism.
2. The Phrase 'matod pa'
- Function: A formal attribution meaning 'according to.' It requires a specific source.
- Syntax: It functions as a prepositional phrase. It requires personal markers (ni) or common markers (sa) before the source.
- Register: This is the 'news register.' It is used in journalism, formal writing, and official broadcasts.
3. Register Comparison
While ingon ni is the conversational way to say 'said by,' matod pa elevates the tone to a professional level. Kuno is ubiquitous in daily life and is rarely replaced by matod pa in casual settings.
Examples (5)
- Moadto kuno siya sa Sugbo ugma.
He says he is going to Cebu tomorrow.
Word by Word: Will-go reportedly he to Cebu tomorrow.
Here, 'kuno' is used in a typical conversational way to report someone's plans. Note its position after the first word 'moadto'.
- Matod pa sa balita, adunay bagyo.
According to the news, there is a typhoon.
Word by Word: According to the news, there-is typhoon.
This uses 'matod pa' because it is citing a formal source (the news) in a professional tone.
- Wala na kuno silay kwarta.
They say they don't have money anymore.
Word by Word: None already reportedly they-have money.
In a cluster of particles, 'kuno' follows 'na'. This is a common way to report a rumor or a statement made by others.
- Matod pa ni Mayor, kinahanglan kitang magtinabangay.
According to the Mayor, we need to help each other.
Word by Word: According to ni Mayor, need we-inclusive to-help-each-other.
Using 'matod pa ni' attributes the statement to a specific official, fitting for a formal report or speech.
- Dili kuno tinuod, matod pa sa iyang inahan.
It's allegedly not true, according to his mother.
Word by Word: Not reportedly true, according to sa his mother.
This combines both: 'kuno' marks the statement as hearsay, while 'matod pa' specifies the source.
Common Mistakes
Putting 'kuno' at the end of the sentence.
Different MeaningMoadto siya sa party kuno.Moadto kuno siya sa party.'Moadto siya sa party kuno' is a good sentence: at the end, 'kuno' marks the whole statement as hearsay, like English 'they say'. Right after the first word, as in 'Moadto kuno siya sa party', is also common.
Using 'matod pa' without a marker before a name.
Matod pa Juan, lami ang pagkaon.Matod pa ni Juan, lami ang pagkaon.Because 'matod pa' is a prepositional phrase, it requires the personal marker 'ni' before a name.
Using 'matod pa' for casual gossip with friends.
Different MeaningMatod pa ni Maria, ulahi ka na.Ingon ni Maria, ulahi ka na. / Ulahi ka na kuno.'Matod pa ni Maria, ulahi ka na' is a correct sentence, but 'matod pa' sounds formal, like a news report, in a chat with a friend. 'Ingon ni Maria' or 'kuno' sounds more natural.
How It Connects
Learn This First
This pattern contrasts two ways of reporting hearsay: the conversational particle 'kuno' and the formal/news register 'matod pa'. To understand this, learners must already be familiar with both individual forms and the general concept of register shifting in Cebuano.
- kunoReportedly
The conversational hearsay particle 'kuno' is the primary point of comparison for this pattern.
Level 3 - matod pa niAs Said by
The formal 'matod pa' construction is the other half of the contrast being analyzed.
Level 5 - Register Shifting
Understanding the difference between formal/written and informal/spoken registers is necessary to apply this contrast correctly.
Level 4
Related Patterns
- Second-Position Words
Kuno follows the strict rules of second-position particle placement.
Foundations - ingon + ni/si + Speaker + ClauseSomeone Said
This is the conversational equivalent of 'matod pa' for attributing speech.
Level 3 - tingali / siguroMaybe
While 'kuno' marks hearsay, these markers indicate uncertainty or probability.
Level 2 - Register Choice
The choice between 'kuno' and 'matod pa' is a primary example of register shifting.
Level 5 - si / ni / kangPersonal Name Markers
Matod pa requires the 'ni' marker when citing a specific person by name.
Foundations - gikataho ngaIt Was Reported That
Another formal hearsay marker used specifically in news reporting ('It was reported that').
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice matod pa / kuno in Bubblegum
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