In English, "it" is one of the most frequently used pronouns, serving as a third person singular pronoun for objects, animals, abstract concepts, and situations. In Tagalog, this simple English word has multiple equivalents depending on context, making it a fascinating study in how different languages conceptualize reference and deixis (pointing with words).
"It" in Tagalog can be expressed through several words: -
ito/iyan/iyon - demonstrative pronouns (this/that/that over there) -
siya - third person singular pronoun (also used for he/she) -
nito/niyan/niyon - genitive forms (of this/of that) -
Often omitted when the subject is understood from context
Q: What does "it" mean in Tagalog?
A: In Tagalog, "it" doesn't have a single direct translation. The language uses different words depending on whether you're pointing to something near (ito), at middle distance (iyan), or far (iyon). For subjects of sentences, Tagalog often uses "siya" or simply omits the pronoun when context is clear. This system reflects Tagalog's more nuanced approach to spatial relationships and reference.
Throughout this lesson, we'll explore how Tagalog handles the concept of "it" through demonstratives, pronouns, and contextual omission. You'll learn when to use each form and how Tagalog's three-way distance distinction (near speaker, near listener, far from both) differs from English's two-way system (this/that).
Course Type: Language Learning Material Target Audience: English speakers learning Tagalog Level: Beginner to Intermediate Focus: Third person pronouns and demonstratives Learning Objectives: -
Understand the multiple Tagalog equivalents of "it" -
Master the three-way demonstrative system -
Learn when pronouns can be omitted in Tagalog
-
Tagalog uses a three-way distance system (ito/iyan/iyon) unlike English's two-way system -
The pronoun "siya" can mean he, she, or it -
Tagalog often omits pronouns when context is clear -
Position and distance from speaker/listener determines which demonstrative to use -
Understanding context is crucial for proper pronoun selection
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 Ito this ay [topic marker] malaki big
10.2 Nakita saw ko I iyon that-far kahapon yesterday
10.3 Siya it/he/she ay [topic marker] maganda beautiful
10.4 Binili bought niya he/she ito this sa at tindahan store
10.5 Iyan that-near-you ba [question marker] ang [subject marker] aklat book mo your
10.6 Mainit hot ito this ngayon now
10.7 Kinuha took nila they iyon that-far mula from sa [location marker] mesa table
10.8 Hindi not siya it bago new
10.9 Ibigay give mo you iyan that-near-you sa to akin me
10.10 Mahal expensive ba [question marker] ito this
10.11 Sira broken na already iyon that-far
10.12 Gusto like/want ko I siya it
10.13 Nilagay placed niya he/she ito this doon there
10.14 Nakakain can-eat ba [question marker] iyan that-near-you
10.15 Malamig cold na already siya it
What is "it" in Tagalog?
In Tagalog, "it" is expressed through: -
ito - when referring to something near the speaker ("this" as "it") -
iyan - when referring to something near the listener ("that near you" as "it") -
iyon - when referring to something far from both ("that over there" as "it") -
siya - as a general third person pronoun (can mean he/she/it) -
Often omitted when understood from context
The choice depends on physical distance and conversational context.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 Ito ay malaki. This is big.
10.2 Nakita ko iyon kahapon. I saw it yesterday.
10.3 Siya ay maganda. It is beautiful.
10.4 Binili niya ito sa tindahan. He bought it at the store.
10.5 Iyan ba ang aklat mo? Is that your book?
10.6 Mainit ito ngayon. It's hot now.
10.7 Kinuha nila iyon mula sa mesa. They took it from the table.
10.8 Hindi siya bago. It's not new.
10.9 Ibigay mo iyan sa akin. Give it to me.
10.10 Mahal ba ito? Is it expensive?
10.11 Sira na iyon. It's already broken.
10.12 Gusto ko siya. I like it.
10.13 Nilagay niya ito doon. She put it there.
10.14 Nakakain ba iyan? Is it edible?
10.15 Malamig na siya. It's cold now.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.1 Ito ay malaki.
10.2 Nakita ko iyon kahapon.
10.3 Siya ay maganda.
10.4 Binili niya ito sa tindahan.
10.5 Iyan ba ang aklat mo?
10.6 Mainit ito ngayon.
10.7 Kinuha nila iyon mula sa mesa.
10.8 Hindi siya bago.
10.9 Ibigay mo iyan sa akin.
10.10 Mahal ba ito?
10.11 Sira na iyon.
10.12 Gusto ko siya.
10.13 Nilagay niya ito doon.
10.14 Nakakain ba iyan?
10.15 Malamig na siya.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
1. The Three-Way Demonstrative System
Tagalog divides space into three zones: -
ito (this) - near the speaker -
iyan (that) - near the listener -
iyon (that) - far from both speaker and listener
2. Forms and Cases
Each demonstrative has different forms:
Nominative (Subject): -
ito, iyan, iyon
Genitive (Possessive/Object): -
nito (of this), niyan (of that near you), niyon (of that far)
Locative (Location): -
dito (here), diyan (there near you), doon (there far)
3. The Pronoun "Siya" -
Used for he/she/it without gender distinction -
Common when referring to previously mentioned objects -
Takes the form "niya" in genitive case
4. Pronoun Dropping
Tagalog frequently omits pronouns when clear from context: -
"Mainit" (Hot) can mean "It's hot" -
"Maganda" (Beautiful) can mean "It's beautiful"
-
Using only "ito" for all instances of "it" -
Wrong: Always using "ito" regardless of distance -
Right: Choose ito/iyan/iyon based on location -
Forgetting the three-way distinction -
English speakers often struggle because English only has this/that -
Remember: near me (ito), near you (iyan), far from both (iyon) -
Overusing pronouns -
Wrong: "Siya ay mainit siya" (It is hot it) -
Right: "Mainit" or "Mainit siya" (It's hot) -
Confusing demonstrative cases -
Wrong: "Gusto ko ito" (using nominative as object) -
Right: "Gusto ko nito" or just "Gusto ko ito" (both are acceptable in modern Tagalog)
English: Two-way system (this/that) Tagalog: Three-way system (ito/iyan/iyon)
English: Always requires explicit "it" Tagalog: Often omits pronoun when understood
English: "It" is gender-neutral for objects only Tagalog: "Siya" is gender-neutral for all third person
-
Identify what you're referring to -
Is it an object, animal, or abstract concept? -
Determine the distance -
Near you? Use "ito" -
Near the person you're talking to? Use "iyan" -
Far from both? Use "iyon" -
Consider if you need a pronoun at all -
If the subject is clear, you might omit it entirely -
Check the grammatical role -
Subject: ito/iyan/iyon/siya -
Object (after certain verbs): nito/niyan/niyon/niya -
Location: dito/diyan/doon
Demonstrative Declension:
Near speaker (this/it): -
Nominative: ito -
Genitive: nito -
Locative: dito
Near listener (that/it): -
Nominative: iyan -
Genitive: niyan -
Locative: diyan
Far from both (that/it): -
Nominative: iyon -
Genitive: niyon -
Locative: doon
Pronoun Declension:
Third person singular: -
Nominative: siya -
Genitive: niya -
With sa: sa kanya
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Tagalog treatment of "it" reveals important cultural values and worldview differences:
1. Spatial Awareness
The three-way demonstrative system reflects Filipino cultural emphasis on: -
Precise spatial relationships -
Awareness of interpersonal distance -
The listener's position in communication
2. Context-Dependent Communication
Filipinos often rely on: -
Shared understanding -
Non-verbal cues -
Contextual inference
This explains why pronouns are frequently dropped - the culture values implicit understanding over explicit statement.
3. Respectful Distance
The distinction between iyan (near you) and ito (near me) can convey: -
Respect for personal space -
Acknowledgment of ownership -
Social courtesy
4. Gender Neutrality
Unlike European languages, Tagalog's "siya" for he/she/it reflects: -
Less emphasis on gender in grammar -
Focus on role rather than gender -
Linguistic equality
5. Practical Usage Tips
When speaking with Filipinos: -
Use "iyan" when referring to something near them (shows awareness) -
"Po" and "opo" can be added for respect, even with demonstratives -
Context matters more than perfect pronoun choice
6. Common Situations -
Shopping: "Magkano ito?" (How much is this?) when holding item -
Pointing: "Iyan ba?" (Is it that one?) when indicating something near the seller -
Restaurants: "Masarap ba iyon?" (Is that delicious?) pointing to distant table's food
Understanding these cultural nuances helps English speakers use Tagalog pronouns more naturally and appropriately in social situations.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From "Banaag at Sikat" (1906) by Lope K. Santos:
"Hindi ito biro. Ang iyan ay malaking bagay na dapat pag-isipan. Kung minsan ay napakahirap unawain kung ano ang tama. Ngunit sa huli, makikita rin natin iyon."
Hindi not ito this biro joke. Ang [topic marker] iyan that-near-you ay is malaking big bagay thing na that dapat should pag-isipan be-thought-about. Kung if minsan sometimes ay [linker] napakahirap very-difficult unawain to-understand kung if ano what ang [subject marker] tama right. Ngunit but sa in huli end, makikita will-see rin also natin we iyon that-far.
"Hindi ito biro. Ang iyan ay malaking bagay na dapat pag-isipan. Kung minsan ay napakahirap unawain kung ano ang tama. Ngunit sa huli, makikita rin natin iyon."
"This is not a joke. That is a big matter that should be thought about. Sometimes it's very difficult to understand what is right. But in the end, we will see it."
Hindi ito biro. Ang iyan ay malaking bagay na dapat pag-isipan. Kung minsan ay napakahirap unawain kung ano ang tama. Ngunit sa huli, makikita rin natin iyon.
This passage from Lope K. Santos's groundbreaking novel demonstrates the nuanced use of Tagalog demonstratives: -
"ito" - refers to the immediate situation being discussed -
"iyan" - points to the matter at hand, creating distance for reflection -
"iyon" - refers to the truth/answer that will be revealed in the future
The author uses all three demonstratives to create a sense of philosophical progression from immediate concern (ito), through contemplation (iyan), to eventual understanding (iyon). This mirrors the novel's themes of social awakening and enlightenment.
The passage also shows typical Tagalog pronoun usage: -
No explicit subject pronouns in "Hindi ito biro" -
The inclusive "natin" (we/our) creates solidarity with readers -
Demonstratives carry the referential weight usually borne by "it" in English
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.16 Sa in madilim dark na [linker] kwarto room, nakita saw niya he/she ito this
10.17 Lumilipad flying iyon that-far sa in himpapawid sky nang when walang without tunog sound
10.18 Minsan once ay [linker] nawawala disappears siya it, minsan sometimes ay [linker] bumabalik returns
10.19 Hindi not niya he/she maintindihan understand kung if bakit why ganito like-this ito this
10.20 Tuwing every-time gabi night, sumisilip peeks iyan that-near-you sa through bintana window
10.21 Nakakatakot scary siya it pero but nakakaakit attractive din also
10.22 Sinubukan tried niyang he/she hawakan to-hold ito this ngunit but nawala disappeared kaagad immediately
10.23 Parang like usok smoke iyon that-far na that humahaplos caresses sa on balat skin
10.24 Walang no nakakaalam knows kung if saan where nanggaling came-from siya it
10.25 Gabi-gabi every-night ay [linker] hinihintay waiting-for niya he/she ito this
10.26 Umiiyak crying iyan that-near-you na [linker] parang like bata child sa in dilim darkness
10.27 Nang when hawakan touched niya he/she iyon that-far, naging became tubig water siya it
10.28 Hindi not ito this ordinaryo ordinary, may has kapangyarihan power siya it
10.29 Tumatakas escapes iyan that-near-you sa from bawat every pagtatangka attempt
10.30 Sa in wakas end, natanggap accepted niya he/she na that ganito like-this talaga really siya it
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.16 Sa madilim na kwarto, nakita niya ito. In the dark room, she saw it.
10.17 Lumilipad iyon sa himpapawid nang walang tunog. It flew in the sky without a sound.
10.18 Minsan ay nawawala siya, minsan ay bumabalik. Sometimes it disappears, sometimes it returns.
10.19 Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ganito ito. She couldn't understand why it was like this.
10.20 Tuwing gabi, sumisilip iyan sa bintana. Every night, it peeks through the window.
10.21 Nakakatakot siya pero nakakaakit din. It's scary but also attractive.
10.22 Sinubukan niyang hawakan ito ngunit nawala kaagad. He tried to hold it but it disappeared immediately.
10.23 Parang usok iyon na humahaplos sa balat. It was like smoke that caresses the skin.
10.24 Walang nakakaalam kung saan nanggaling siya. No one knows where it came from.
10.25 Gabi-gabi ay hinihintay niya ito. Every night he waits for it.
10.26 Umiiyak iyan na parang bata sa dilim. It cries like a child in the darkness.
10.27 Nang hawakan niya iyon, naging tubig siya. When she touched it, it became water.
10.28 Hindi ito ordinaryo, may kapangyarihan siya. This is not ordinary, it has power.
10.29 Tumatakas iyan sa bawat pagtatangka. It escapes from every attempt.
10.30 Sa wakas, natanggap niya na ganito talaga siya. In the end, he accepted that it really is like this.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
10.16 Sa madilim na kwarto, nakita niya ito.
10.17 Lumilipad iyon sa himpapawid nang walang tunog.
10.18 Minsan ay nawawala siya, minsan ay bumabalik.
10.19 Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ganito ito.
10.20 Tuwing gabi, sumisilip iyan sa bintana.
10.21 Nakakatakot siya pero nakakaakit din.
10.22 Sinubukan niyang hawakan ito ngunit nawala kaagad.
10.23 Parang usok iyon na humahaplos sa balat.
10.24 Walang nakakaalam kung saan nanggaling siya.
10.25 Gabi-gabi ay hinihintay niya ito.
10.26 Umiiyak iyan na parang bata sa dilim.
10.27 Nang hawakan niya iyon, naging tubig siya.
10.28 Hindi ito ordinaryo, may kapangyarihan siya.
10.29 Tumatakas iyan sa bawat pagtatangka.
10.30 Sa wakas, natanggap niya na ganito talaga siya.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
1. Creating Mystery Filipino writers often alternate between demonstratives to build suspense: -
ito - immediate, threatening presence -
iyan - middle distance, uncanny familiarity -
iyon - distant, otherworldly quality
2. Supernatural References The pronoun "siya" for supernatural entities maintains ambiguity: -
Could be a person, spirit, or object -
Gender neutrality adds to mystery -
Allows reader interpretation
3. Demonstrative Symbolism -
ito - present reality, immediate danger -
iyan - liminal space, between worlds -
iyon - the unreachable, the desired
4. Pronoun Shifting Writers shift between demonstratives to show: -
Changing relationships with the mysterious entity -
Emotional distance or closeness -
Power dynamics
5. Common Patterns in Filipino Horror/Mystery -
Start with "iyon" (distant threat) -
Move to "iyan" (approaching danger) -
End with "ito" (confrontation) -
Or reverse for stories of loss/longing
6. Style Notes Modern Filipino fiction often: -
Drops pronouns for atmospheric effect -
Uses "siya" to blur human/non-human boundaries -
Employs demonstratives as mood markers -
Creates rhythm through pronoun variation
This genre showcase demonstrates how Tagalog's flexible pronoun system serves artistic purposes beyond mere reference, creating layers of meaning impossible to achieve with English's single "it."
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
This lesson is part of the innovative language learning series developed by the Latinum Institute, drawing from pedagogical methods refined at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk. The approach emphasizes:
Comprehensible Input Through Interlinear Texts Following the methodology established at the Latinum Institute, these lessons use carefully structured interlinear translations that allow learners to absorb grammar and vocabulary naturally through extensive reading.
The Construed Text Method Each lesson breaks down texts into the smallest meaningful units, allowing students to see exact correspondences between Tagalog and English. This granular approach, pioneered in classical language pedagogy and adapted for modern languages, enables autodidacts to build understanding systematically.
Genre-Based Learning By incorporating various literary genres—from everyday conversation to short stories—learners encounter authentic language use across different registers and contexts. This mirrors the Latinum Institute's successful approach to teaching Latin through varied classical texts.
Cultural Integration Understanding that language and culture are inseparable, each lesson includes cultural context sections that illuminate not just what to say, but when and why to say it.
About the Curator Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London) has been creating online language learning materials since 2006. His work at the Latinum Institute has pioneered digital approaches to classical language learning, with methods now adapted for modern language instruction.
The Latinum Institute's resources have been featured in: -
Various academic publications on digital humanities and language pedagogy -
Online learning platforms and educational technology reviews -
Classical studies journals recognizing innovative teaching methods
Learning Philosophy These lessons embody the principle that languages are best learned through extensive exposure to meaningful, comprehensible texts rather than through grammar drills alone. By providing complete, untruncated lessons with multiple perspectives on each language point, autodidacts can progress at their own pace while building deep understanding.
For more resources and information about the pedagogical approach, visit: -
latinum.substack.com -
latinum.org.uk
The systematic progression from word-by-word analysis to authentic literary texts ensures that learners develop both practical communication skills and cultural literacy, following the successful model established for Latin learning and adapted here for Tagalog.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---