Language/Tagalog/Grammar/Plurals

Tagalog Grammar - Plurals

Hi Tagalog learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will delve into plural forms in Tagalog. Understanding how to make plurals is crucial when learning a new language, as it allows you to express quantity and differentiate between singular and multiple objects. To help you master plural forms, we will provide you with cultural information and interesting facts that will make your learning experience more enjoyable.

Introduction

In Tagalog, plurals are formed by adding the word "mga" before a noun. This word doesn't have a direct English equivalent, but it functions similarly to "the" or "these".

For example:

• "bahay" means "house", but "mga bahay" means "houses".
• "asul" means "blue", but "mga asul" means "blues".

However, the use of "mga" is optional when referring to plurals that are already clear from thecontext. For instance, if there are multiple plates on the table, you can use the word "plato" instead of "mga plato".

Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Tagalog Grammar → Verbs → Irregular Verbs, Tagalog Grammar: Regular Verbs, Give your Opinion & Negation.

Pluralization Rules

To make plurals in Tagalog, there are several rules that you need to keep in mind.

Rule 1: Nouns that end in vowels

For nouns that end in vowels, just add "mga" before the noun.

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
panyo	/'pa.njo/	handkerchief
mga panyo	/'ma.ŋa 'pa.njo/	handkerchiefs

Rule 2: Nouns that end in consonants

For nouns that end in consonants, add "mga" before the first vowel of the noun.

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
libro	/'li.bro/	book
mga libro	/'ma.ŋa 'li.bro/	books

Rule 3: Nouns that end in "-ng"

For nouns that end in "-ng", add "mga" before "ng".

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
baso	/'ba.so/	glass
mga baso	/'ma.ŋa 'ba.so/	glasses

Rule 4: Nouns that end in "-s"

For nouns that end in "-s", add "-es" before "mga".

Tagalog	Pronunciation	English
relos	/'re.los/	watch
mga relos	/'ma.ŋa 're.los/	watches

Examples in Context

To better understand the use of plural forms in Tagalog, here's a dialogue between two Tagalog speakers:

• Person 1: "Nakita mo ba ang mga halaman sa hardin?" (Have you seen the plants in the garden?)
• Person 2: "Oo, ang mga bulaklak ay maganda." (Yes, the flowers are beautiful.)

In this example, "halaman" is in its singular form, but "mga bulaklak" shows a clear plurality.

Cultural Insights

In the Philippines, the use of plural forms in Tagalog is not only limited to objects. Filipinos often use plurals to show respect to elder people, such as adding "po" after verbs or addressing them as "kayo" instead of "ka". This is similar to using the formal "vous" in French or the respectful "-san" in Japanese.

Practice Exercises

Ready to apply what you've learned? Here are some practice exercises:

1. What is the Tagalog plural form of "asul"? 2. How do you make the Tagalog noun "lapis" plural? 3. Rewrite this sentence in plural form: "Ang kotse ay mamahalin." (The car is expensive.)

Check your answers below: 1. "mga asul" 2. "mga lapis" 3. "Ang mga kotse ay mamahalin."

Don't worry if you struggled at first - practice makes perfect! Keep on practicing and don't hesitate to ask native speakers for guidance.

More Resources

To improve your Tagalog Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources

• Tagalog Noun Plurals
• How is the plural formed in Tagalog? - Quora
• Tagalog Nouns: Pluralization - Tagalog Language SEASite

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Other Lessons

• Questions
• Adjectives
• How to Use Have
• Nouns
• Conditional Mood
• How to Use Be
• Future Tense
• Pronouns
• Negation