Language/Tagalog/Grammar/Modal-Verbs
Modal verbs are an essential part of Tagalog grammar. As a Tagalog language teacher for 20 years, I have seen how these verbs can help learners express their intentions, desires, abilities, obligations, and permissions in Tagalog. In this lesson, I will teach you how to use some of the most commonly used modal verbs in Tagalog.
What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are verbs that express various elements of modality, such as possibility, necessity, ability, obligation, and permission. In Tagalog, modal verbs are called pandiwang pang-ukol or pangungusap na pandiwa. They are used to modify the meaning of other verbs in a sentence.
Unlike in English, Tagalog modal verbs do not have different forms for different subjects or tenses. Instead, they are used with the root form of the verb that follows them. Here are some examples:
- Gusto kong kumain ng mangga. (I want to eat mango.)
- Kailangan kong mag-aral para sa exam. (I need to study for the exam.)
- Maaari kong pumunta sa party mamaya. (I can go to the party later.)
- Dapat mong basahin ang libro. (You should read the book.)
- Puwede ba kitang tulungan? (Can I help you?)
In the following sections, we will discuss each of these modal verbs in detail.
Gusto/Gustong
Gusto or gustong is the Tagalog modal verb that expresses desire, want, or like. It is used to indicate what someone likes or wants to do. Gusto is often used with the particle na to indicate the specific thing or action desired.
Here are some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto ko ng kape. | goo-STOH koh ng KAH-peh | I want coffee. |
| Gusto mong pumunta sa sinehan? | goo-STOH mong puh-MOON-tah sa si-NE-han | Do you want to go to the movie theater? |
| Gusto niya na magluto ng adobo. | goo-STOH nee-YAH nah mag-LOO-toh ng ah-DOH-boh | He/she likes to cook adobo. |
Note: The particle na is used after gusto when followed by a noun or pronoun. The infinitive form of the verb follows na.
Kailangan/Kailanganin
Kailangan or kailanganin is the Tagalog modal verb that expresses necessity, need, or require. It is used to indicate what someone needs to do or what is necessary to achieve a goal. Kailangan is often used with the particle ng to indicate the specific thing or action needed.
Here are some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kailangan kong magtrabaho para kumita ng pera. | kye-LAH-ngahn kohng mag-trah-BA-hoh pah-RAH koo-MEE-tah ng PEH-rah | I need to work to earn money. |
| Kailangan mong bumili ng gamot. | kye-LAH-ngahn mong boo-MEE-lee ng GAH-mot | You need to buy medicine. |
| Kailangan nilang magsumikap para manalo. | kye-LAH-ngahn NEE-lahng mag-soo-MEE-kap pah-RAH mah-NAH-loh | They need to work hard to win. |
Note: The particle ng is used after kailangan when followed by a noun or pronoun. The infinitive form of the verb follows ng.
Maaari/Maaaring
Maaari or maaaring is the Tagalog modal verb that expresses possibility, potentiality, or capability. It is used to indicate what someone can do or what is possible or likely to happen.
Here are some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Maaari akong magtrabaho sa opisina mo. | mah-AH-ri ah-KOHNG mag-trah-BA-hoh sa oh-pee-SEE-nah moh | I can work in your office. |
| Maaari ka bang umalis ngayon? | mah-AH-ri kah bahng oo-MA-lis ngah-YOHN | Can you leave now? |
| Maaaring umulan bukas. | mah-AH-ring oo-MOH-lahn boo-KAHS | It may rain tomorrow. |
Dapat/Dapat/Dapatin
Dapat or dapat is the Tagalog modal verb that expresses necessity, obligation, or moral duty. It is used to indicate what someone must do or should do in a given situation.
Here are some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dapat mong gawin ang trabaho mo. | DAH-paht mong GAH-win ahng trah-BA-hoh moh | You should do your job. |
| Dapat ka nang magpahinga. | DAH-paht kah nahng mag-pah-HING-gah | You should rest now. |
| Dapat naming tapusin ang proyekto. | DAH-paht NAH-ming tah-poo-SEEN ahng proy-EK-toh | We should finish the project. |
Puwede/Pwede/Pwede/Puwedeng
Puwede or pwede or puwedeng is the Tagalog modal verb that expresses permission or ability. It is used to indicate what someone is allowed to do or what someone can do.
Here are some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Puwede ba akong umalis? | poo-WEH-deh bah ah-KOHNG oo-MAH-lis | Can I go now? |
| Pwede ba kitang tulungan? | PWEH-deh bah KEE-tahng too-LAH-ngahn | Can I help you? |
| Puwedeng lumangoy sa dagat ngayon. | poo-WEH-dehng loo-MAHNG-oh sa dah-GAHT ngah-YOHN | You can swim in the sea now. |
Conclusion
Modal verbs play a crucial role in Tagalog communication. They allow speakers to convey different aspects of modality, such as desire, necessity, ability, obligation, and permission. By learning how to use these modal verbs, you can express yourself more clearly and effectively in Tagalog. In the next lesson, we will cover complex sentence structures in Tagalog. Stay tuned!