Bisaya Verb Tenses (Aspects) for Beginners
Learn how Bisaya expresses past, present, and future actions through verb prefixes
Overview
Bisaya doesn't have tenses the same way English does. Instead of changing the verb ending (eat → ate → eaten), Bisaya changes the beginning of the verb — the prefix. These prefixes are called aspects. There are four main aspects you need to know: • MO- / MAG- (Future / About to happen) Use this when the action hasn't happened yet. Mokaon ko. — I will eat. Magtrabaho ko. — I will work. • NA- (Completed / Already done) Use this when the action is finished. Nakaon na ko. — I have already eaten. Natrabaho na sila. — They already worked. • NAG- (Ongoing / Right now) Use this when the action is happening now. Nagkaon ko. — I am eating (right now). Nagtrabaho siya. — She is working. • MAKA- / NAKA- (Ability) Use this when you can or could do something. Makakaon ko. — I can eat. Nakakaon ko. — I was able to eat. The simplest rule: Mo- = future, Nag- = now, Na- = done.
Examples
Mokaon ko unya.
I will eat later.
💡 Mo- = future action
Nagkaon ko karon.
I am eating right now.
💡 Nag- = ongoing action
Nakaon na ko.
I have already eaten.
💡 Na- = completed action
Moadto ko ugma.
I will go tomorrow.
💡 Mo- + root verb adto
Nagdula ang mga bata.
The children are playing.
💡 Nag- = currently happening
Naabot na siya.
She has already arrived.
💡 Na- = action is done
Magtuon ko ugma.
I will study tomorrow.
💡 Mag- = planned upcoming action
💡 Tips to Remember
- •Mo- is the safest default for future: Mokaon, Moadto, Mopalit, Moinom.
- •When someone says 'Na-' + verb + 'na', the 'na' at the end confirms it's already done.
- •Nag- for now, Na- for done — these two are the most commonly confused.
- •Mag- is often used for habitual or ongoing plans: Magtrabaho ko sa Lunes. (I work/will work on Monday.)
- •The root verb (without prefix) is what you find in a dictionary: kaon, adto, trabaho, tuon.