Definitions Flashcards
Kailan vs Nang
Nang: This word can be used as a conjunction meaning “when,” especially in describing a specific time something happened. It can also be used to join an adverb to an adjective, like “very” in English (e.g., “nang malakas” means “very loud”).
Kailan: This is an interrogative word meaning “when” and is typically used to ask about the time of an event (e.g., “Kailan ka pupunta?” means “When will you go?”).
Ng
In Tagalog, ng is a very common linking or connecting word that can be translated to different English words depending on the context. It’s often used to show possession, describe a specific characteristic, or to connect an action to an object.
Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
Possession: “Kuwarto ng bata” translates to “The child’s room” or “The room of the child.”
Specific Characteristic: “Baso ng tubig” translates to “A glass of water.”
Object of an Action: “Kumain ng mansanas” translates to “Eat an apple.”
In summary, ng is a versatile word in Tagalog that serves different functions in sentences, often linking or connecting elements to each other. It doesn’t have a direct one-to-one translation in English and needs to be understood in context.
Sa
The word sa in Tagalog is a preposition that can be translated to several English words such as in, at, on, to, or from, depending on the context.
Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:
Location: “Nasa bahay ako” translates to “I’m at home.” Here, “sa” is used to indicate the location.
Direction: “Pupunta ako sa paaralan” translates to “I’m going to school.” Here, “sa” indicates the direction or destination.
Time: “Sa Lunes, magkikita tayo” translates to “We will meet on Monday.” Here, “sa” refers to a specific time.
Purpose: “Sa kabutihan mo” translates to “For your own good.” Here, “sa” indicates the purpose or reason.
Sa is a common and versatile word in Tagalog, functioning as a preposition to connect different parts of a sentence. Its specific meaning depends on the context of the sentence in which it’s used.
Ng vs Sa
The difference between ng and sa in Tagalog is in their functions within a sentence. While both are common linking words, they serve different purposes:
Ng
- Possession: “Kuwarto ng bata” (The child’s room)
- Specific Characteristic: “Baso ng tubig” (A glass of water)
- Object of an Action: “Kumain ng mansanas” (Eat an apple)
Ng often connects nouns to describe possession or characteristics, or links verbs to their direct objects.
Sa
- Location: “Nasa bahay ako” (I’m at home)
- Direction: “Pupunta ako sa paaralan” (I’m going to school)
- Time: “Sa Lunes, magkikita tayo” (We will meet on Monday)
- Purpose: “Sa kabutihan mo” (For your own good)
Sa is commonly used to indicate location, direction, time, or purpose.
Summary
- Use ng when showing possession, describing specific characteristics, or connecting an action to an object.
- Use sa when referring to location, direction, time, or purpose.
Remember that context is crucial in determining which word to use, and understanding how they function in different sentences will help in choosing the appropriate one.
Saan, Saang and Nasaan
The words Saan, Saang, and Nasaan are related to questions about location in Tagalog. Here’s an explanation of each:
Saan: Translates to “Where” in English. It is used to inquire about a destination or location.
Example: Saan ka pupunta? (Where are you going?)
Saang: A combination of “Saan” and “ng” (a linking word), often used when inquiring about a specific location. It is generally followed by a noun.
Example: Saang paaralan ka nag-aaral? (In which school are you studying?)
Nasaan: Also translates to “Where” in English but is used to inquire about the location of someone or something at the present moment.
Example: Nasaan ang susi? (Where is the key?)
In summary, while Saan is used for general inquiries about a destination or location, Saang is used when asking about a specific place related to a noun, and Nasaan is used when asking about the current location of someone or something.
Ulan vs Umulan
Ulan: This is the noun form, referring to rain itself. For example, “Malakas ang ulan” translates to “The rain is heavy.”
Umulan: This is the verb form, describing the act of raining. For example, “Umulan kagabi” translates to “It rained last night.”
Adjective positions
In Tagalog, adjectives usually come after the nouns they modify. This is the opposite of English, where adjectives typically come before nouns.
Here are a few examples:
“magandang babae” (beautiful woman): “maganda” (beautiful) comes after “babae” (woman)
“malakas na ulan” (heavy rain): “malakas” (heavy) comes after “ulan” (rain)
“masarap na pagkain” (delicious food): “masarap” (delicious) comes after “pagkain” (food)
Note that there might be some exceptions, and sentence structure can change with different levels of formality or in different dialects.
Wala vs Walang
In Tagalog, “wala” and “walang” are related but used in different contexts:
Wala: This word means “none” or “nothing.” It’s used to denote the absence or lack of something. For example:
“Wala akong pera” translates to “I have no money.”
“Wala na” means “It’s gone” or “There’s none left.”
Walang: This is a contraction of “wala” and “ng.” It’s often used with adjectives and nouns to describe a characteristic or attribute of something that’s missing or lacking. For example:
“Walang hiya” can translate to “shameless.”
“Walang tubig” means “There’s no water.”
Isa vs Isang
The difference between “isa” and “isang” in Tagalog is related to their function in a sentence:
Isa: This word means “one.” It’s used as a standalone number or to enumerate something. For example:
“Isa, dalawa, tatlo” translates to “One, two, three.”
“Isa sa mga kaibigan ko” means “One of my friends.”
Isang: This is a combination of “isa” and the linker “ng.” It’s often used as an indefinite article equivalent to “a” or “an” in English. For example:
“Isang libro” translates to “a book.”
“Isang araw” means “one day” or “a day.”
So, “isa” is typically used as the numeral “one,” while “isang” functions more like an indefinite article or specifies a singular quantity.
Tayo vs Kami
The difference between “tayo” and “kami” in Tagalog lies in their inclusiveness:
Tayo: This is an inclusive “we,” meaning that the person or people being addressed are part of the group. It’s used when speaking to someone who is included in the action or situation. For example:
“Magluluto tayo ng hapunan.” translates to “We (including you) will cook dinner.”
Kami: This is an exclusive “we,” meaning that the person or people being addressed are not part of the group. It’s used when speaking about a group to which the listener does not belong. For example:
“Magluluto kami ng hapunan.” translates to “We (not including you) will cook dinner.”
So the choice between “tayo” and “kami” depends on whether the person being spoken to is included in the group or not.
Ako, ko, ang, ng
Pronouns
Ako (I) is used as a subject, while ko (my) is possessive.
Ako: Ako ay may libro. (I have a book.)
Ko: Ito ang libro ko. (This is my book.)
Ikaw (you) is used as a subject, while mo (your) is possessive.
Ikaw: Ikaw ay magaling. (You are good.)
Mo: Ito ang bola mo. (This is your ball.)
Linking Words
Ang is used to mark the focus of the sentence and often translates to “the.”
Ang aso ay mabait. (The dog is kind.)
Ang libro ay sa mesa. (The book is on the table.)
Ng can translate to “of” or “by” and is used to mark relationships between nouns or the object of the verb.
Ako’y may dala ng libro. (I have brought a book.)
Kumain siya ng mansanas. (He/She ate an apple.)
Examples with Pronouns and Linking Words:
With Ako and Ko
Ako ay nagluto ng hapunan. | I cooked dinner.
Ito ang kotse ko. | This is my car.
With Ikaw and Mo
Ikaw ay matalino. | You are smart.
Saan mo ito nakuha? | Where did you get this?
With Ang and Ng
Ang bata ay naglalaro. | The child is playing.
Kumain siya ng kanin. | He/She ate rice.
Pronouns
