INTRODUCTION |
We recall verbs in Filipino as pandiwa, which are very complicated. But don't worry! I am here to clear some confusions and doubt about verbs. In my opinion, verbs in general are hard and complicated. What makes them complicated is that they must agree with the markers and the focus of the sentence at the same time. Down below is the general ideas and topics that goes into conjugating Filipino verbs. Also, don't get confuse between Verbs and Affixes. Affixes are words that change the tense of the verbs.
Affix insertion/addition
Affix insertion/addition
- Affixes could either be inserted or added. If it's inserted, it's inserted after the first letter of the root word. If it's added, it's placed before the verb.
- Kain (to eat) --> Kumain
- Laro (to play) --> naglaro
- Affixes often disappears in the future tense.
- Kain (to eat) --> kumain --> kumakain --> kakain (no affix added/inserted)
- Reduplication is the duplication of the 1st syllable of the root verb. Often appears in the Present & Future tense.
- Kain --> kakain
UM VS MAG VERBS
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Since verbs in Filipino tends to prefer their own affix and focus, there's not a lot of difference between um & mag verbs, hence they could be used interchangeably.
But there's one factor that sets um verbs from mag verbs, the idea of being transitive and intransitive. Um verbs are usually transitive, which follows a marker connecting to an object. Um verbs being classified as transitive verbs usually occurs in the past.
Another way to think about it is if the verb involves with a physical object. If it does, the verb is more likely to prefer transitive verbs like UM verbs.
Remember, these are just distinction and they're not 100% accurate because verbs in Filipino prefers to use a certain affix over another. A way to prove this is with the root verb tayo which both means to build or to stand up. Tayo as to mean to build would prefer to use mag verbs while to stand up would be with um verbs.
But there's one factor that sets um verbs from mag verbs, the idea of being transitive and intransitive. Um verbs are usually transitive, which follows a marker connecting to an object. Um verbs being classified as transitive verbs usually occurs in the past.
- Kumain ako ng pagkain = I ate food
- Sumulat ako ng isang liham = I wrote a letter
- Maglalaro kami = We will play (inclusive)
- Maglaro ka! = Play!
Another way to think about it is if the verb involves with a physical object. If it does, the verb is more likely to prefer transitive verbs like UM verbs.
- Magaling siyang gumuhit ng letrato ng mga tao. = He is good of drawing people's pictures.
Remember, these are just distinction and they're not 100% accurate because verbs in Filipino prefers to use a certain affix over another. A way to prove this is with the root verb tayo which both means to build or to stand up. Tayo as to mean to build would prefer to use mag verbs while to stand up would be with um verbs.
- tumayo ka! = Stand up.
- Magtatayo tayo ng isang gusali = We would build a building.
UM CONJUGATION
UM affixes are like stem-changing verb in Spanish. They are added after the first letter of the root verb if the tense is in the past. Take a look at the verb KAIN, which means to eat.
- E.g. KAIN - KUMAIN (PAST)
- E.g. Kumain ako = I ate.
- KAIN à KUMAIN - KUMAKAIN (PRESENT)
- Kumakain si ate Maria = (Sister) Maria is eating
- KAIN - KAKAIN (FUTURE)
- Talon (to jump) = Tumalon, tumatalon, tatalon
- Yaman (to get rich) = Yumaman, yumayaman, yayaman
- Takbo (to run) = Tumakbo, tumatakbo, tatakbo
MAG CONJUGATION
Unlike UM affixes, MAG affixes are added before the root word. Also, MAG affixes will always be added. Moreover, you now have to remember that we use NAG instead of MAG in past and present tense. In the example below, the root verb sulat means to write.
- SULAT - NAGSULAT (PAST)
- SULAT - NAGSUSULAT (PRESENT)
- SULAT - MAGSUSULAT (FUTURE)
- Magsusulat (Will write) - Magsulat (Write!)
- Magsulat ka! = (You) Write!
- Aral (to study) = nagaral, nagaaral, magaaral
- Nakaw (to steal) = nagnakaw, nagnanakaw, magnanakaw
- Tanim (to plant) = nagtanim, nagtatanim, magtatanim
- Trabaho (to work) = nagtrabaho, nagtatrabaho, magtatrabaho
NAKA VERBS
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NAKA verbs will introduce you to a focus known as "Abilitative Focus". This is the focus that shows ability or equivalent to "can or was able to" in English. Naka verbs are added before the root verb similar to MAG verbs. Its future tense affix also changes from n to m. The list to the right will show you how to conjugate verbs with NAKA to show ability.
Future tense: NAKA + ROOT VERB
Present tense: NAKA + CV + ROOT VERB Future tense: MAKA + CV + ROOT VERB (note: CV means reduplication) |
NAKA CONJUGATIONKain = to eat
PAST TENSE: Nakakain PRESENT TENSE: Nakakakain FUTURE TENSE: Makakakain Laro = to play PAST TENSE: Nakalaro PRESENT TENSE: Nakalalaro FUTURE TENSE: Makalalaro Lakad = to walk PAST TENSE: Nakalakad PRESENT TENSE: Nakalalakad FUTURE TENSE: Makalalakad |
NAKA for the ACTOR
All UM, MAG, & NAKA VERB are grouped into the Actor Focus sentences. This means that we will not use Genitive Pronouns with ng markers with NAKA verbs. See the example below.
HOWEVER, the second example is grammatically wrong because we use NAKA only when we want to talk about the actor/doer of the sentence. In the future lessons, there’s an affix called NA affix which is focus is on the object and shows ability like NAKA that’s should’ve been used instead.
- Nakakain kami ng pagkain kahapon = We were able to eat food yesterday. (RIGHT!!!)
- Nakakain namin ang pagkain kahapon = We were able to eat the food yesterday. (WRONG!!!)
HOWEVER, the second example is grammatically wrong because we use NAKA only when we want to talk about the actor/doer of the sentence. In the future lessons, there’s an affix called NA affix which is focus is on the object and shows ability like NAKA that’s should’ve been used instead.
- Nakain namin ang pagkain kahapon – We were able to the food yesterday.
IN VERBS
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UM, MAG, & NAKA verbs are actor focus verbs in which the sentence focuses on the doer/actor of the sentence. In this section, we would be talking about Object Focus Verbs where the action is taking place directly at the object of the sentence.
Moreover, let's take a look at the IN verbs. This verb is conjugated into different ways, one way is that it uses NI instead of IN in the past & present tense .
Present tense: IN or NI added. (Tinayo, Nilaro)
Present tense: IN or NI added with Reduplication. (Tinatayo, Nilalaro)
Future tense: IN with reduplication and end letter change. (Tatayuin, Lalaruin)
IN Verbs with Object Focus Sentences
IN verbs are used with sentences that focuses on the object, where it’s the opposite of UM & MAG verbs. Down below will show you the differences between them.
Moreover, let's take a look at the IN verbs. This verb is conjugated into different ways, one way is that it uses NI instead of IN in the past & present tense .
- LAKAD (to walk) = nilakad, nilalakad, lalakarin (D to R change)
- LARO (to play) = nilaro, nilalaro, lalaruin (O to U change)
- LASON (to poison someone) = nilason, nilalason, lalasunin (O to U change)
- INOM (to drink) = ininom, iniinom, iinumin (O to U change)
- KAIN (to eat) = kinain, kinakain, kakainin
- SABI (to say) = sinabi, sinasabi, sasabihin (in to hin change)
Present tense: IN or NI added. (Tinayo, Nilaro)
Present tense: IN or NI added with Reduplication. (Tinatayo, Nilalaro)
Future tense: IN with reduplication and end letter change. (Tatayuin, Lalaruin)
IN Verbs with Object Focus Sentences
IN verbs are used with sentences that focuses on the object, where it’s the opposite of UM & MAG verbs. Down below will show you the differences between them.
- Naglaro kami ng tagu-taguan = We played hide and seek. (FOCUS: KAMI)
- Tagu-taguan ang nilaro namin = Hide and seek is what we played. (FOCUS: tagu-taguan)
NA VERBS
OBJECT FOCUS VERBS
NA affixes are used with verbs that involve objects. Thus, if the verb is not involve with an object, the na-affix will not function as an abilitative focus like NAKA. What separates this apart from NAKA affixes is that NAKA is an actor focus verbs win which talks about the doer or the actor of the sentence, while NA affixes are for objects. The weird thing about verbs in Filipino is that their function depends on their the type of action. So, NA affixes might be paired with the root verb tulog which means to sleep. However, when we say natulog na siya (He/She already slept), the affix NA doesn't function as an abilitative focus nor focuses on the object. The point is that NA affixes only function when the verb is involved with an object.
Take a look at the root verb nakaw (to steal). The root verb nakaw perfectly functions with objects because you can steal something.
Take a look at the root verb nakaw (to steal). The root verb nakaw perfectly functions with objects because you can steal something.
NA Conjugation
Similar to Naka & Mag affixes, it’s conjugated the same way.
- Naglaro, Naglalaro, Maglalalro (NAG)
- Nakalaro, nakalalaro, makalalaro (NAKA)
- Makalaro, nakalalaro, makalalaro (NA)
- IWAN – NAIWAN = was able to be left behind.
- IWAN – NAIIWAN = is/are/am being able to be left behind.
- IWAN – MAIIWAN = will be able to be left behind.
NA Functions with OBJECTS
Overall, NA affixes are sometimes classified as a way to show ability while focusing on the object of the sentence.
- Ang mansanas ay ang nanakaw ko. = The apple was what I was able to steal.
- Nakanakaw ako ng mansanas. = I was able to steal an apple.
Overall, NA affixes are sometimes classified as a way to show ability while focusing on the object of the sentence.
- Ang isang laruan ang nalaro ko. = A toy is what I was able to play. (NA AFFIX)
- FOCUS: laruan
- Nakalaro ako ng isang laruan. = I was able to play a toy. (NAKA AFFIX)
- FOCUS: ako
- Ang kotse ang nagamit ko. = A car is what I was able to use. (NA AFFIX)
- FOCUS: kotse
- Nakagamit ako ng kotse = I was able to use a car. (NAKA AFFIX)
- FOCUS: ako
IN-AN VERBS
LOCATION FOCUS VERBS
IN-AN FOR LOCATION
Unlike other um, mag, naka, in, and na affixes, in-an affixes are verbs that are two affix combination. IN-AN affixes have two affixes: IN & AN. Similar to NA-AN affixes, this affix is a two-affix combination. One of its affixes (IN or NI) is added (OR inserted for NI) before the root verb. The other one (AN) would be added at the end of the verb root.
Take a look at the example below, notice that the focus is on banko which means bank.
IN-AN WEIRD conjugation
Present tense: IN or NI added with Reduplication. (Nilalabanan, Binababaan)
Future tense: IN with reduplication and end letter change. (Lalabanan, Bababaan)
Unlike other um, mag, naka, in, and na affixes, in-an affixes are verbs that are two affix combination. IN-AN affixes have two affixes: IN & AN. Similar to NA-AN affixes, this affix is a two-affix combination. One of its affixes (IN or NI) is added (OR inserted for NI) before the root verb. The other one (AN) would be added at the end of the verb root.
- KAIN – KINAINAN
- LARO – NILARUAN
- SAKAY – SINAKYAN
Take a look at the example below, notice that the focus is on banko which means bank.
- Ninakawan ng mga magnanakaw ang banko ng maraming pera. = The robbers stole a lot of money from the bank.
- Pinaliguan ang mga alaga niyang aso sa ospital. = His/her dogs were bath in the hospital.
IN-AN WEIRD conjugation
- -Unlike the other affixes, IN-AN conjugation is different. Sometimes, in the past and present tense, it’s NI instead of IN. This is very similar to IN’s weird conjugation.
- LARO (to play) = Nilaro, Nilalaro, lalaruin (WITH IN AFFIX)
- SAKAY (to ride on) = Sinakyan, Sinasakyan, Sasakyan
- BABA (to hop off /go down) = Binabaan, Binababaan, Bababaan
- LABAN (to fight) = Nilabanan, Nilalabanan, Lalabanan
Present tense: IN or NI added with Reduplication. (Nilalabanan, Binababaan)
Future tense: IN with reduplication and end letter change. (Lalabanan, Bababaan)
IN-AN WEIRD with Verbs that starts with L
Here are the verbs that takes NI conjugation instead of IN. So, the general often refers to that in order to have NI conjugation, the root verb has to begin with letter L.
Here are the verbs that takes NI conjugation instead of IN. So, the general often refers to that in order to have NI conjugation, the root verb has to begin with letter L.
- LAKAD (to walk) = nilakaran, nilalakaran, lalakaran (D to R change)
- LARO (to play) = nilaruan, nilalaruan, lalaruan (O to U change)
- LASON (to poison someone) = nilasunan, nilalasunan, lalasunin (O to U change)
NA-AN VERBS
LOCATION, OBJECT, & DIRECTION FOCUS VERBS
Understanding NA-AN affixes are complicated because they can function in three different focuses/voices. Down below is a list of rules when to use NA-AN affixes with a specific focus thereof.
Location - The sentence must contain a prepositional phrase and refer to a location.
Direction - This only occurs when the action is directed towards the person being done by the action. Realize that the one who is receiving the action is focus of the sentence.
Location - The sentence must contain a prepositional phrase and refer to a location.
- Nalimutan siya doon sa bahay = He was forgotten home.
- FOCUS: bahay (house)
- Prepositional Phrase: Doon sa bahay.
- Natapakan ko ang paa ni Ben habang kami ay naglalakad. = I stepped on Ben’s feet while we were walking.
- FOCUS: Paa (foot)
Direction - This only occurs when the action is directed towards the person being done by the action. Realize that the one who is receiving the action is focus of the sentence.
- Naiwanan ako ng tatay ko = I was left by my father
- Who is receiving the action?: AKO (I)
NA-AN Conjugation
-This is very similar to IN-AN conjugation but without the NI or IN conjugation in the past and present tense. Take a look on how it’s conjugated below.
Present tense: NA added. (Nalabanan, Nasakyan)
Present tense: NA added with Reduplication. (Nalalabanan, Nasasakyan)
Future tense: NA added (NA to MA) and reduplication. (Malalabanan, Masasakyan)
-This is very similar to IN-AN conjugation but without the NI or IN conjugation in the past and present tense. Take a look on how it’s conjugated below.
Present tense: NA added. (Nalabanan, Nasakyan)
Present tense: NA added with Reduplication. (Nalalabanan, Nasasakyan)
Future tense: NA added (NA to MA) and reduplication. (Malalabanan, Masasakyan)