Page 88 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

Study the information below to improve your Filipino grammar skills.

I. The Interrogative or Question Word Kanino
The question word kanino means “whose.” When used in a sentence, it is usually
followed by the marker ang, which precedes the noun. The noun is then followed
by the linker na and an adjective or a demonstrative pronoun.
EXAMPLES Kanino ang payong na pula?
:
Whose is the red umbrella? (literally, Whose marker umbrella linker
red?)
Kanino ang payong na ito?
Whose is this umbrella? (literally, Whose marker umbrella linker

this?)

However, in conversational Filipino, kanino can also be followed by
contracted linker na. The long form is “Kanino na payong ito?” With the
contracted na, this becomes “Kaninong payong ito?” (Whose umbrella is this?)
(literally, Whose linker umbrella this?) Note that in this sentence construction
there is no linker between the noun payong and the demonstrative pronoun ito.

Similarly, one can be more specific and use the noun after kanino.
EXAMPLE Kaninong payong ang asul na payong?
:
Whose umbrella is the blue umbrella? (literally, Whose linker
umbrella marker blue linker umbrella?)

Morever, it has been acceptable to drop the linker na. Thus, in conversational
Filipino, we just say: Kaninong payong ito? (literally, Whose umbrella this?)

II. The Interrogative or Question Word Nasaan and the Preposition Nasa
The interrogative nasaan means “where.” It is used when asking about location,
and is followed by a noun (and the marker preceding the noun).
EXAMPLE : Nasaan ang libro?

Where is the book? (literally, Where marker book?)

To answer this question, the preposition nasa followed by the location is
used. In conversational Filipino where the predicate usually precedes the subject,
it is more common to start the sentence with nasa.
EXAMPLE : Nasa ibabaw ng mesa ang libro.

The book is on the table. (literally, On marker table marker book.)