Page 169 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

SAGOT : Alas-kuwarto na.
It is four o’clock. (literally, Four o’clock already.)

TANONG : Alas-dos y medya na ba?
Is it two thirty already? (literally, Two thirty already ba?)

SAGOT : Alas-dos kinse pa lang.
It is only two fifteen. (literally, Two fifteen also only.)

In studying these sentences, we can observe the following:
A. The fondness for the use of na or already. Filipino English tends to use the
word already, even when the word is not necessary.
B. Pa lang combines the particles pa and lang to mean only. When used alone,
pa usually means also. However, with lang, it just means only.

III. Practicing the Imperative and Infinitive Forms
For many verbs such as sakay, baba, alis, and dating which all use the um
prefix, the imperative form of the verb is equivalent to the completed aspect of
the verb. The imperative form is used when giving commands, for example,
“Sumakay ka ng bus 35. (Ride bus 35.)”
The infinitive form is usually used when using the verbs with helping verbs such

as gusto (like). In English, it is easy to recognize the infinitive form because of the
word to —for example, want to leave (gustong umalis) or want to get off (gustong
bumaba). Note the use of the linker na, contracted into ng. If using a pronoun, the
linker can be attached to the pronoun. Thus we say, “Gusto kong umalis” (Want I
marker leave).
Here are some examples:

TANONG : Saan ako sasakay ng jeepney?

Where will I ride/take the jeepney?
SAGOT : Sumakay ka ng jeepney sa harap ng post office.
Ride the jeepney in front of the post office.

TANONG : Saan ako bababa?
Where will I get off?

SAGOT : Bumaba ka sa tapat ng parke.
Get off across from the park.

TANONG : Anong oras mo gustong umalis ng bahay?
What time do you want to leave the house?

SAGOT : Gusto kong umalis ng bahay nang alas-kuwatro.
I want to leave the house at four o’clock.