Page 145 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

You already know the demonstrative pronoun iyan meaning that. When
speaking, and when writing dialogues, iyan becomes ’yan.

V. The Question Word “Bakit” and “Dahil”
In the dialogue you read, the Tindera (Saleswoman) says “Matamis ’yan!”
(That’s sweet!) as she urges the Juan to buy the yellow mangoes.
This brings us to the question: how then do we ask and answer questions
related to purpose. We use the question word bakit (why) and the word dahil
(because).

TANONG : Bakit bumili si Juan ng dilaw na mangga?
Why did Juan buy yellow mangoes? (literally, Why bought marker Juan
marker yellow linker mango?)

SAGOT : Dahil matamis ang dilaw na mangga.
Because yellow mangoes are sweet. (literally, Because sweet marker
yellow linker mangoes.)
OR

SAGOT : Dahil gusto ni Juan ng matamis na mangga.
Because Juan likes sweet mangoes. (literally, Because like marker Juan
marker sweet linker mangoes.)

Pagsasanay

In these sets of questions, the objective is to try to approximate a conversation

between you and a “friend.” Try to practice the question words you have learned in
a practical way. Always think of “follow-up questions” to keep the conversation
running. Examples are given for you to analyze and use as a guide.

1. TANONG : Saan ka bumili ng prutas?

SAGOT : Bumili ako ng prutas sa Berkeley Bowl.
TANONG : Anong prutas ang binili mo?
SAGOT : Saging ang binili ko.

TANONG : Magkano ang bili mo sa saging?
SAGOT : Beinte pesos ang isang kilo ng saging.

TANONG : Bakit ka bumili ng saging?
SAGOT : Dahil matamis ang saging.

2. TANONG : Saan ___________________.