Descriptions 2
Adjectives
Adjectives can have "ma" added to the front of them. This is more common in formal speech or writing. In common speech, however, native Ilonggo speakers often choose not use the "ma" prefix. The words "maayo" (good) and "malain" (bad) will usually have the prefix. Other words, like "taas" (tall) will usually not have it.
The meaning of the adjective does not change when the "ma" prefix is used. For example, "buot" (kind) and "mabuot" are the same word.
Flipped Order: Ang Phrase + Adjective
A standard descriptive comment would be Adjective + Ang Phrase, but there are a few circumstances when you might put the ang phrase before its description.
Long subject: - Sometimes long subjects just sound better when put at the front of the sentence.
"Reading and learning are very important. — "Ang pagbasa kag pagtuon importante gid." (basa = read, tuon = study/learn, importante = important)
Emphasis / Contrast
"Bihon is good. Lumpia is great!" — "Maayo ang bihon. Ang lumpia maayo gid!" (maayo = good, bihon = rice noodles, lumpya = thin spring rolls)
You could also use the standard Adjective + Ang Phrase order for these examples. It's correct either way. Flipping the order just gives you some flexibility in certain situations. As you listen to native Hiligaynon speakers you'll develop a better sense of when to use exceptions. For now, just know they exist.
More Ways to Emphasize
In addition to the word "gid," there are a few other ways to add emphasis to your sentence.
Ka-
You can add "ka-" to the beginning of an adjective to add emphasis. This can be used instead of, or alongside the word "gid".
"The adobo is delicious." — "Kanamit sang adobo." (namit = tastes good)
"You are really quick." — "Kadasig sa imo." (dasig = fast)
When referring to regular nouns, you would mark the noun with "sang." When referring to a pronoun (you, me, them, etc.), you would use sa pronouns.
Tamâ / Pwerte
These words can be used with "ka-" adjectives to become even stronger. Both words can be used like "extremely," or other similarly strong words. "Tamâ" can also be used to say something is "too much." The sentence structure is the standard Adjective + Ang Phrase
"The dog is super fast." — "Pwerte kadasig ang idô." (dasig = fast, idô = dog)
"The wind is too strong." — "Tamâ kabaskog ang hangin." (hangin = air/wind)
"It's way hot!" — "Pwerte kainit." (init = hot)
"It's extremely bright." — "Tamâ kasanag." (bright = sanag/masanag)
An alternative way to arrange sentences with "tamâ" is to put it after the adjective, and add the "ka-" prefix on the word "tamâ", e.g. "gahud katamâ" (gahud = loud)
Describing a Task
There's a specific sentence format for describing how a task is performed, e.g. "She sings well," or "He cooks proficiently."
"She sings well." — "Maayo siya magkanta." (kanta/amba = sing, maayo = good)
"He's a pro at cooking." — "Sagad siya magluto." (sagad = expert/proficient)
"He's a slow walker." — "Hinay siya maglakat." (hinay = slow, lakat = walk)
"She's a quick learner." — "Dalî siya magtuon." (dalî = short time, tuon = learn/study)
This is different from making adverbs. This is meant to describe how someone regularly does something, rather than how a verb is being done only at that moment. It's often used to comment on a person's skill, but can be used for other things, e.g. "This is a slow-driving boat."