Markers (Ang, Ug, Sa)

Essential particles that mark relationships in sentences

Overview

Bisaya uses markers (sometimes called case markers) to show the grammatical role of nouns in a sentence. The three main markers are 'ang', 'ug/og', and 'sa'. Understanding these is crucial for forming correct sentences. • ANG - marks the topic/focus of the sentence • UG/OG - marks indefinite objects or introduces nouns • SA - marks specific objects, locations, or possession

Examples

Ang bata nagdula

The child is playing

💡 'Ang' marks the topic/subject of the sentence

Mikaon ko ug tinapay

I ate bread

💡 'Ug' marks the object (non-specific/indefinite) - 'some bread'

Mikaon ko sa tinapay

I ate the bread

💡 'Sa' marks specific/definite objects - 'the bread' (specific one)

Moadto ko sa eskwelahan

I will go to school

💡 'Sa' also marks locations/destinations

Libro sa bata

The child's book

💡 'Sa' shows possession - 'book of the child'

Si Maria maayo

Maria is good

💡 'Si' is used instead of 'ang' for personal names

💡 Tips to Remember

•'Ang' is used for the topic or focused element of the sentence
•'Ug/og' is used for non-specific objects - 'ug tubig' (some water)
•'Sa' is used for specific objects, locations, or possessive constructions
•For personal names, use 'si' (singular) or 'sila si' (plural) instead of 'ang'
•'Og' and 'ug' are interchangeable - 'og' often follows consonants, 'ug' follows vowels

Verb Aspects

Negation