Intohimoa

Intohimoa is a term described in linguistic discussions of some Visayan languages, particularly among Cebuano and Hiligaynon grammars, as a verb form derived from the root vano “himo,” meaning to do or make. The form is associated with a causative-passive or imperative function, yielding a sense roughly translated as “have it made” or “let it be made.” It is not a commonly attested everyday form in broad reference grammars, but it appears in theoretical discussions of how voice and mood interact in these languages.

Morphology and syntax are central to the description of intohimoa. The analysis typically identifies a prefix similar to in- that marks a passive or causative relation, combined with the verb stem meaning to do or make, and a final element that functions to signal a directive or imperative mood. The result is a command-like form used to direct another agent to perform the act of making or producing something. In contrasts with related forms like gihimo (made) or himoa (do it), intohimoa is viewed as the construction that foregrounds causing a future outcome rather than a completed past event.

Usage and interpretation can vary by dialect and register. Intohimoa is most often described as a directive used in contexts where the speaker assigns the making task to another person, such as in workplace instructions or instructional discourse. The exact translation can depend on context, but it generally conveys “have this made” or “let this be made.” See also: himo, gihimo, himoa. Further reading on Cebuano and Hiligaynon verb systems provides broader context for voice and mood in these languages.