Page 83 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

the notes. Practice naming the colors aloud as you go.

Gramatika (Grammar)

Study the information below to improve your Filipino grammar skills.

I. The Question Word Alin (which)
The question word alin is easy to use when it is not followed by a linker.
EXAMPLE : Alin ang bag mo?

Which is your bag? (literally, Which marker bag your?)

It becomes confusing only when it is followed by the linker na, because the two
words are contracted.
EXAMPLE : Aling bag ang bag mo?
Which is your bag? (literally, which linker bag marker bag your?)

In this sentence, the long form of “aling bag” is “alin na bag.”
As you can see, both sentences mean the same thing; it's just two different ways
of saying things.
However, some beginning learners tend to forget about the linker na, and
incorrectly say “Alin bag ang bag mo?” This sentence is grammatically incorrect
because there should always be a linker between the question word and the noun.

II. The Question Words Anong Kulay (what color)
The question words anong kulay travelled a different path. Earlier or more
formal usage of this is: Ano ang kulay... (What is the color...) This, then, is
contracted in everyday speech into, “Ano'ng kulay...”

EXAMPLE : Ano'ng kulay ng bag mo?
What is the color of your bag?

Because of the standardization of Filipino, recent spelling guidelines have
deleted the apostrophe. Thus the spelling “Anong” is now acceptable.
EXAMPLE Anong kulay ng bag mo?
:
What is the color of your bag? (literally, What marker color marker
bag your?)

III. Linking Adjectives and Nouns