Linkers (Nga, Ka, Y)

Connecting words and phrases in Bisaya

Overview

Linkers are small words that connect adjectives to nouns, numbers to nouns, or clauses together. The main linkers in Bisaya are 'nga', 'ka', and 'y' (-y). • NGA - connects adjectives to nouns, or introduces clauses • KA - connects numbers to nouns (counting) • Y (-y) - shortened form of 'nga' or 'nay' used after vowels

Examples

Dako nga balay

Big house

💡 'Nga' links adjective (dako) to noun (balay)

Tulo ka buok

Three pieces

💡 'Ka' links number to counter/noun when counting

Ang tawo nga nagtindog

The person who is standing

💡 'Nga' introduces a relative clause (who/that/which)

Naay tubig

There is water

💡 'Y' is the contracted linker: 'naa' + 'y' = 'naay'

Gusto ko nga moadto

I want to go

💡 'Nga' can also connect verbs: want + nga + action

Maayong buntag

Good morning

💡 After words ending in vowels + ng, the 'nga' becomes just 'ng': maayo + nga = maayong

💡 Tips to Remember

•'Nga' becomes 'ng' after words ending in a vowel: 'dako nga' but 'gamay'ng'
•Use 'ka' when counting: 'usa ka', 'duha ka', 'tulo ka'
•The '-y' linker appears in common contractions: 'naay' (there is), 'walay' (there is no)
•'Nga' is also used like 'that' in 'I know that he's here' = 'Nahibalo ko nga nia siya'

Forming Questions

Numbers and Counting