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Travel in the Philippines

The Word "Is" in Tagalog
By:TF Andrews

I have been trying to study the Tagalog language for a while now. The company I work for in the United States has assigned me to work in the Philippines. Since I have a two year working contract with a firm here, I want to learn Filipino (Tagalog) in order to better communicate with those I meet. I have decided to concentrate on the grammar, as it will help me learn the language. Today I have taken the day off as my tummy aches (Masakit ang tiyan ko). I'll stay at home and study the Tagalog language because I want to do something productive.

Taglish can often be heard in the Philippines and Taglish is a combination of Tagalog and English. Some of the words in Tagalog are challenging for me and I am still trying to figure it all out. "Ay" is the equivalent of the word "is" or "be" in English.

The word "ay" is often dropped in everyday conversation and used only when speaking formally to someone, or when making a formal speech. You will also see the word "ay" being used in novels and books too. Filipinos often omit the word "ay" therefore instead of saying "she is beautiful" (Siya ay maganda), one can simply say "Maganda siya" without using the word "ay."

The word "Noon" (pronounced "No-on") is used to denote the past tense and is used when referring to something that was, for instance, "they were beautiful" is "Maganda sila noon."

"Ay" can also be used as an interjection when you want express happiness, sadness or if one is dismayed about something. For instance if I want to exclaim, "She won!" I would say, "Ay! Nanalo siya."

I have made a few Filipino friends and they are kind and go out of their way to help me. When I had informed my colleague that I had a stomach ache and would not be in the office today she sent me some medicine. I took some of the medicine and I am already feeling better.

Next week, my colleague and I plan to do a little shopping. I plan to buy something to wear. The word for "dress" in Tagalog is "saya" but it is not used often. Now the word "damit" is used to mean clothing in general but it can also mean dress. She is dependable ( Maaasahan siya.) and we get along very well together. I am happy that I have a good friend here. She is someone who I can rely on. From time to time she also helps me with simple translations and the use of the word "is."

http://speakingtagalog.com/articles/is-in-tagalog






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