The Tagalog word "na" is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in the language. For English speakers learning Tagalog, understanding "na" is crucial because it serves multiple grammatical functions that don't always have direct English equivalents. While it can translate to "that" in certain contexts, "na" is primarily a linker that connects adjectives to nouns, and also functions as a relative pronoun similar to "that/which/who" in English.
Na (pronounced /na/) is: -
A linker (ligature) that connects modifiers to the words they modify -
A relative pronoun meaning "that/which/who" -
An adverbial particle meaning "already" or "now"
Q: What does "na" mean in Tagalog? A: "Na" in Tagalog primarily functions as a linker connecting adjectives to nouns (like "beautiful flower" becomes "magandang bulaklak" where "-ng" is the form of "na"). It also serves as a relative pronoun meaning "that/which/who" in sentences like "The book that I read" (Ang librong nabasa ko). Additionally, "na" can mean "already" or "now" in certain contexts.
In this lesson, you'll encounter "na" in its various functions through 15 carefully crafted examples. We'll explore how "na" links words together, creates relative clauses, and expresses completed actions. Each example demonstrates natural Tagalog usage with varying word orders and contexts to help you master this essential word.
Course Title: Tagalog for English Speakers Lesson Number: 14 Topic: na (that/linker/already) Level: Beginner to Intermediate Learning Objectives: -
Understand the multiple functions of "na" -
Recognize when to use "na" vs. "-ng" as linkers -
Form relative clauses using "na" -
Identify "na" as a temporal marker
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"Na" as a linker: Connects adjectives to nouns when the adjective ends in a consonant -
"-ng" variation: When the adjective ends in a vowel, "na" becomes "-ng" attached to the word -
Relative pronoun: Creates clauses similar to English "that/which/who" -
Temporal marker: Can indicate completed action or current state ("already/now") -
Position flexibility: Unlike English "that," Tagalog "na" has specific placement rules
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14.1 Ang The masarap delicious na that/[linker] pagkain food ay [topic marker] nasa is-at mesa table
14.2 Nakita Saw ko I ang the batang child-[linker] tumatakbo running sa in parke park
14.3 Ito This ang the libro book na that binasa read ko I kahapon yesterday
14.4 Ang The babae woman na that/who nagtuturo teaching ay [topic marker] mabait kind
14.5 Kumain Ate na already ako I ng [object marker] tanghalian lunch
14.6 Siya He/She ang the taong person-[linker] marunong knowledgeable mag-Tagalog speak-Tagalog
14.7 Ang The mataas tall na [linker] puno tree ay [topic marker] may has maraming many-[linker] dahon leaves
14.8 Alam Know mo you ba [question marker] ang the kwentong story-[linker] sinabi told niya he/she
14.9 Ang The bahay house na that pula red ay [topic marker] sa [belongs]-to amin us
14.10 Umuwi Went-home na already ang the mga [plural marker] bata children galing from paaralan school
14.11 Sino Who ang the lalaking man-[linker] nakaupo sitting sa on silya chair
14.12 Ang The mainit hot na [linker] kape coffee ay [topic marker] nakahanda prepared na already
14.13 Gusto Like ko I ang the musikang music-[linker] pinapatugtog being-played nila they
14.14 Ang The bulaklak flower na that binigay gave mo you ay [topic marker] maganda beautiful
14.15 Tapos Finished na already ang the palabas show na that pinanood watched natin we
"Na" in Tagalog serves three main functions: -
Linker (ligature): Connects adjectives ending in consonants to nouns (masarap na pagkain = delicious food) -
Relative pronoun: Equivalent to English "that/which/who" in relative clauses (ang libro na binasa ko = the book that I read) -
Temporal/aspectual marker: Indicates completed action or current state, similar to "already" or "now" (kumain na ako = I already ate)
Note: When linking words ending in vowels, "na" becomes "-ng" and attaches to the word (bata + na = batang)
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14.1 Ang masarap na pagkain ay nasa mesa. The delicious food is on the table.
14.2 Nakita ko ang batang tumatakbo sa parke. I saw the child running in the park.
14.3 Ito ang librong binasa ko kahapon. This is the book that I read yesterday.
14.4 Ang babaeng nagtuturo ay mabait. The woman who is teaching is kind.
14.5 Kumain na ako ng tanghalian. I already ate lunch.
14.6 Siya ang taong marunong mag-Tagalog. He/She is the person who knows how to speak Tagalog.
14.7 Ang mataas na puno ay may maraming dahon. The tall tree has many leaves.
14.8 Alam mo ba ang kwentong sinabi niya? Do you know the story that he/she told?
14.9 Ang bahay na pula ay sa amin. The red house is ours.
14.10 Umuwi na ang mga bata galing paaralan. The children already went home from school.
14.11 Sino ang lalaking nakaupo sa silya? Who is the man sitting on the chair?
14.12 Ang mainit na kape ay nakahanda na. The hot coffee is already prepared.
14.13 Gusto ko ang musikang pinapatugtog nila. I like the music that they are playing.
14.14 Ang bulaklak na binigay mo ay maganda. The flower that you gave is beautiful.
14.15 Tapos na ang palabas na pinanood natin. The show that we watched is already finished.
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14.1 Ang masarap na pagkain ay nasa mesa.
14.2 Nakita ko ang batang tumatakbo sa parke.
14.3 Ito ang librong binasa ko kahapon.
14.4 Ang babaeng nagtuturo ay mabait.
14.5 Kumain na ako ng tanghalian.
14.6 Siya ang taong marunong mag-Tagalog.
14.7 Ang mataas na puno ay may maraming dahon.
14.8 Alam mo ba ang kwentong sinabi niya?
14.9 Ang bahay na pula ay sa amin.
14.10 Umuwi na ang mga bata galing paaralan.
14.11 Sino ang lalaking nakaupo sa silya?
14.12 Ang mainit na kape ay nakahanda na.
14.13 Gusto ko ang musikang pinapatugtog nila.
14.14 Ang bulaklak na binigay mo ay maganda.
14.15 Tapos na ang palabas na pinanood natin.
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1. Na as a Linker (Ligature)
The primary function of "na" is to link modifying words to the words they modify. This is completely different from English, which simply places adjectives before nouns without any connecting word.
Basic Rule: Use "na" after words ending in consonants -
masarap (delicious) + na + pagkain (food) = masarap na pagkain
Variation Rule: "Na" becomes "-ng" when attached to words ending in vowels -
bata (child) + na = batang -
kwento (story) + na = kwentong
2. Na as a Relative Pronoun
"Na" functions like English "that," "which," or "who" in relative clauses, but with different word order:
English: The book that I read Tagalog: Ang librong binasa ko (literally: The book-that read I)
3. Na as a Temporal/Aspectual Marker
"Na" can indicate that an action is completed or a state has been achieved, similar to "already" or "now": -
Kumain na ako = I already ate -
Tapos na = It's finished already
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Using "na" after vowels: English speakers often write "bata na" instead of the correct "batang" -
Word order in relative clauses: Attempting English word order like "ang libro na ako binasa" instead of "ang librong binasa ko" -
Overusing "na" as "that": Not every English "that" translates to Tagalog "na" -
"I think that..." = "Sa palagay ko..." (no "na" needed) -
Forgetting "na" as a linker: Writing "masarap pagkain" instead of "masarap na pagkain" -
Confusing temporal "na" position: Placing it incorrectly in the sentence
Step 1: Identify the function you need -
Linking adjective to noun? -
Creating a relative clause? -
Indicating completed action?
Step 2: Check the ending of the preceding word -
Consonant ending → use "na" as separate word -
Vowel ending → attach "-ng" to the word
Step 3: Apply the correct word order -
For linkers: [modifier] + na/ng + [modified word] -
For relative clauses: [noun] + na/ng + [verb phrase] -
For temporal: [verb] + na or [adjective] + na
Forms of the Linker: -
na (after consonants): mabait na bata (kind child) -
-ng (after vowels): batang mabait (kind child) -
Note: Some words have special forms like "sino" (who) → "sinong"
Position in Relative Clauses: -
Always immediately after the noun being modified -
The verb in the relative clause often uses special focus forms
Temporal Usage Patterns: -
After verbs: Kumain na (already ate) -
After adjectives: Handa na (ready now) -
In time expressions: Gabi na (it's night already)
Unlike English "that," which has a relatively fixed position and function, Tagalog "na" is more versatile but follows stricter rules about when and how it appears. English speakers must remember that: -
Not all instances of English "that" require "na" in Tagalog -
"Na" has functions that don't exist in English (like linking) -
The word order with "na" is often very different from English patterns
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For English speakers learning Tagalog, understanding "na" goes beyond grammar—it's a window into Filipino thought patterns and communication styles. The multifunctional nature of "na" reflects the Filipino language's preference for fluid, context-dependent meanings rather than rigid, single-purpose words.
Filipinos often use multiple adjectives to describe things, and "na" (or "-ng") makes these descriptions flow naturally. This reflects the Filipino cultural tendency toward detailed, vivid descriptions in everyday conversation. Where an English speaker might say "the house," a Filipino might naturally say "ang malaking bahay na puti" (the big house that is white), using "na" to create flowing, descriptive phrases.
The use of "na" to indicate "already" reflects Filipino concepts of time and completion. In Filipino culture, stating that something is "tapos na" (already finished) or that someone "kumain na" (already ate) is not just about time—it's about social consideration. These phrases often serve as polite ways to decline offers or indicate readiness without seeming abrupt.
The precision required in using "na" correctly (knowing when to use "na" vs. "-ng") mirrors the Filipino cultural emphasis on proper form and respect in communication. Making mistakes with basic linkers can mark someone as an outsider or someone who hasn't taken time to learn properly, which in Filipino culture might be seen as lacking effort or respect for the language.
While "na" is standard across Tagalog-speaking regions, its frequency and some uses can vary. In more formal Manila Tagalog, all rules are strictly observed. In provincial areas or in casual speech, you might hear variations or shortcuts that merge or drop certain instances of "na," though the basic linking and relative pronoun functions remain consistent.
In Taglish (mixed Tagalog-English), "na" often serves as a bridge between languages. Filipinos might say "ang meeting na tomorrow" (the meeting that's tomorrow) or "ready na ang food" (the food is ready now), showing how "na" facilitates smooth code-switching—a common feature of educated Filipino speech.
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Source: "Banaag at Sikat" (From Early Dawn to Full Light) by Lope K. Santos (1906), Chapter 1
Original Tagalog Text: "Ang mga bituing kumikislap sa langit ay unti-unting nawawala na sa pagsikat ng araw. Ang dilim na bumalot sa mundo ay nangangalat na ngayon ng liwanag. Ito na ang simula ng panibagong araw na puno ng pag-asa."
Ang The mga [plural] bituing stars-that kumikislap twinkling sa in langit sky ay [marker] unti-unting gradually nawawala disappearing na now sa at pagsikat rising ng of araw sun. Ang The dilim darkness na that bumalot enveloped sa [marker] mundo world ay [marker] nangangalat spreading na now ngayon today ng of liwanag light. Ito This na now ang the simula beginning ng of panibagong new-[linker] araw day na that puno full ng of pag-asa hope.
"The stars twinkling in the sky are gradually disappearing now with the rising of the sun. The darkness that enveloped the world is now spreading light today. This is now the beginning of a new day that is full of hope."
This passage from Lope K. Santos, the "Father of the Filipino National Language," demonstrates multiple uses of "na" in literary Tagalog. The text shows: -
"Bituing" - An example of "-ng" linking "bitu-" (stars) with the following description -
"Nawawala na" - Temporal "na" indicating the ongoing present state -
"Dilim na bumalot" - Relative pronoun "na" meaning "that/which" -
"Nangangalat na" - Another temporal "na" emphasizing current action -
"Ito na" - Demonstrative use with temporal emphasis -
"Panibagong araw" - Shows "-ng" linking within a compound concept -
"Araw na puno" - Relative pronoun creating a descriptive clause
This literary excerpt brilliantly showcases the flexibility of "na" in formal written Tagalog:
Bituing kumikislap - Here "bitu-" + "-ng" creates a smooth link to the verb "kumikislap," showing how "-ng" can connect nouns to entire verbal phrases, not just simple adjectives.
Nawawala na / nangangalat na - Both examples show "na" in its temporal function, but note how it comes after the verb. This positioning indicates that the action is happening at the reference time (sunrise).
Dilim na bumalot sa mundo - This relative clause structure (darkness that enveloped the world) demonstrates how "na" creates complex descriptive phrases in literary Tagalog.
Ito na ang simula - The phrase uses "na" for emphasis, suggesting "This is now/indeed the beginning," showing how "na" can add subtle emphasis in literary contexts.
The passage's poetic quality partly comes from the rhythm created by the strategic placement of "na" throughout, demonstrating how this small word contributes to the musicality of literary Tagalog.
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14.16 Si [name marker] Maria Maria ay [topic marker] babae woman na who nakatira living sa in maliit small na [linker] nayon village malapit near sa to dagat sea
14.17 Ang The araw-araw daily na [linker] gawain routine niya her ay [topic marker] maglinis to-clean ng [object marker] bahay house na that mana inherited sa from lola grandmother
14.18 Isang One umaga morning nakita saw niya she ang the kahon box na that nakatago hidden sa in ilalim under ng of lumang old-[linker] kama bed
14.19 Ang The susi key na that hawak holding ng of kanyang her-[linker] ina mother ay [topic marker] eksaktong exactly-[linker] tugma fit sa to kandado lock
14.20 Nang When buksan opened niya she ito this nakita saw niya she ang the mga [plural] sulat letters na that matagal long na already nakatago hidden
14.21 Ang The mga [plural] salita words na that nakasulat written ay [topic marker] tungkol about sa [marker] pag-ibig love na that hindi not natupad fulfilled
14.22 Si [name marker] Maria Maria ay [topic marker] nakaramdam felt ng of lungkot sadness na that malalim deep at and hindi not maipaliwanag explainable
14.23 Ang The katotohanan truth na that natuklasan discovered niya she ay [topic marker] nagbago changed sa [marker] lahat everything na that alam know niya she
14.24 Naisip Thought niya she na that ang the buhay life na that perpekto perfect raw supposedly ay [topic marker] puno full pala apparently ng of lihim secrets
14.25 Ang The tahimik quiet na [linker] nayon village na that kinalakihan grew-up-in niya she ay [topic marker] may has kwentong story-[linker] nakatago hidden
14.26 Dumating Arrived na now ang the panahon time na that kailangan needed niya she ng [genitive] malaman to-know ang the buong whole-[linker] katotohanan truth
14.27 Ang The mga [plural] tao people na that nakilala knew niya she ay [topic marker] may have kanya-kanya each-own ng [genitive] sikreto secret na that tinatago hiding
14.28 Sa In huli end natutunan learned niya she na that ang the pagmamahal love na that totoo true ay [topic marker] handang ready-[linker] magsakripisyo to-sacrifice
14.29 Ang The desisyon decision na that ginawa made niya she ay [topic marker] magpatuloy to-continue sa in buhay life na that may with bagong new-[linker] pag-unawa understanding
14.30 Ngayon Now alam know na already niya she na that ang the nakaraan past na that hindi not maibabalik returnable ay [topic marker] bahagi part ng of kung [conditional] sino who siya she ngayon today
14.16 Si Maria ay babaeng nakatira sa maliit na nayon malapit sa dagat. Maria is a woman who lives in a small village near the sea.
14.17 Ang araw-araw na gawain niya ay maglinis ng bahay na mana sa lola. Her daily routine is to clean the house that was inherited from grandmother.
14.18 Isang umaga nakita niya ang kahong nakatago sa ilalim ng lumang kama. One morning she saw the box that was hidden under the old bed.
14.19 Ang susing hawak ng kanyang ina ay eksaktong tugma sa kandado. The key that her mother was holding fit exactly in the lock.
14.20 Nang buksan niya ito, nakita niya ang mga sulat na matagal nang nakatago. When she opened it, she saw the letters that had been hidden for a long time.
14.21 Ang mga salitang nakasulat ay tungkol sa pag-ibig na hindi natupad. The words that were written were about love that was not fulfilled.
14.22 Si Maria ay nakaramdam ng lungkot na malalim at hindi maipaliwanag. Maria felt a sadness that was deep and unexplainable.
14.23 Ang katotohanang natuklasan niya ay nagbago sa lahat na alam niya. The truth that she discovered changed everything that she knew.
14.24 Naisip niya na ang buhay na perpekto raw ay puno pala ng lihim. She thought that the life that was supposedly perfect was apparently full of secrets.
14.25 Ang tahimik na nayon na kinalakihan niya ay may kwentong nakatago. The quiet village that she grew up in has a hidden story.
14.26 Dumating na ang panahong kailangan niyang malaman ang buong katotohanan. The time has come that she needs to know the whole truth.
14.27 Ang mga taong nakilala niya ay may kanya-kanyang sikreto na tinatago. The people that she knew have their own secrets that they are hiding.
14.28 Sa huli, natutunan niya na ang pagmamahal na totoo ay handang magsakripisyo. In the end, she learned that love that is true is ready to sacrifice.
14.29 Ang desisyong ginawa niya ay magpatuloy sa buhay na may bagong pag-unawa. The decision that she made was to continue with life that has new understanding.
14.30 Ngayon alam na niya na ang nakaraang hindi maibabalik ay bahagi ng kung sino siya ngayon. Now she already knows that the past that cannot be returned is part of who she is today.
14.16 Si Maria ay babaeng nakatira sa maliit na nayon malapit sa dagat.
14.17 Ang araw-araw na gawain niya ay maglinis ng bahay na mana sa lola.
14.18 Isang umaga nakita niya ang kahong nakatago sa ilalim ng lumang kama.
14.19 Ang susing hawak ng kanyang ina ay eksaktong tugma sa kandado.
14.20 Nang buksan niya ito, nakita niya ang mga sulat na matagal nang nakatago.
14.21 Ang mga salitang nakasulat ay tungkol sa pag-ibig na hindi natupad.
14.22 Si Maria ay nakaramdam ng lungkot na malalim at hindi maipaliwanag.
14.23 Ang katotohanang natuklasan niya ay nagbago sa lahat na alam niya.
14.24 Naisip niya na ang buhay na perpekto raw ay puno pala ng lihim.
14.25 Ang tahimik na nayon na kinalakihan niya ay may kwentong nakatago.
14.26 Dumating na ang panahong kailangan niyang malaman ang buong katotohanan.
14.27 Ang mga taong nakilala niya ay may kanya-kanyang sikreto na tinatago.
14.28 Sa huli, natutunan niya na ang pagmamahal na totoo ay handang magsakripisyo.
14.29 Ang desisyong ginawa niya ay magpatuloy sa buhay na may bagong pag-unawa.
14.30 Ngayon alam na niya na ang nakaraang hindi maibabalik ay bahagi ng kung sino siya ngayon.
Contemporary Filipino Fiction and "na"
Modern Filipino short stories extensively use "na" to create layered, complex narratives. In this genre, you'll notice: -
Multiple Functions in One Sentence: Contemporary writers often pack several uses of "na" into single sentences for stylistic effect: -
"Ang mga salitang nakasulat" (words that were written) - relative pronoun -
"pag-ibig na hindi natupad" (love that wasn't fulfilled) - relative pronoun creating emotional depth -
Building Suspense with "na": Writers use the temporal "na" to mark pivotal moments: -
"Dumating na ang panahon" (The time has now come) - creates urgency -
"Ngayon alam na niya" (Now she already knows) - marks realization -
Descriptive Layering: Multiple adjectives linked with "na" create rich imagery: -
"tahimik na nayon" (quiet village) -
"maliit na nayon" (small village) -
"lumang kama" (old bed) - note the -ng form -
Philosophical Statements: Abstract concepts often use complex "na" constructions: -
"ang nakaraang hindi maibabalik" (the past that cannot be returned) -
"ang pagmamahal na totoo" (love that is true)
Common Patterns in Filipino Fiction: -
Opening descriptions use "na" as linker: "babaeng nakatira sa maliit na nayon" -
Internal thoughts use "na" with "that" clauses: "Naisip niya na..." -
Revelations marked with temporal "na": "alam na niya" -
Emotional states described with linked adjectives: "lungkot na malalim"
This genre showcases how "na" contributes to the lyrical quality of Filipino prose, creating flowing sentences that mirror the contemplative nature of contemporary Filipino fiction.
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This lesson is part of the innovative language learning series created by the Latinum Institute, designed specifically for autodidactic learners. The method, developed by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), represents over 18 years of expertise in online language education since 2006.
The Latinum Institute's approach, as detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, emphasizes: -
Construed Text Learning: Breaking down texts into the smallest meaningful units to show direct correspondence between languages -
Multi-Modal Presentation: Each concept is presented in multiple formats (interlinear, parallel text, target language only) -
Cultural Integration: Language learning embedded within cultural and literary contexts -
Self-Paced Structure: Designed for independent learners who can progress at their own speed
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Complete Transparency: Every word is glossed initially, removing guesswork -
Progressive Difficulty: Starting with word-by-word analysis and building to full texts -
Multiple Exposures: The same content appears in different formats, reinforcing learning -
Real-World Application: Literary excerpts and genre examples provide authentic language use -
Clear Grammar Explanations: Written specifically for native English speakers learning Tagalog
Evan der Millner, curator of the Latinum Institute, brings extensive academic credentials (BA MA from Canterbury, NZ, and London) to language pedagogy. Since 2006, he has pioneered online language learning methods that have helped thousands of autodidactic learners master new languages. His work can be found at: -
Primary website: latinum.org.uk -
Substack publications: latinum.substack.com -
The Latinum Institute continues to develop innovative language learning materials based on classical pedagogical principles adapted for modern autodidactic learners
These lessons embody the principle that language learning should be accessible, thorough, and culturally rich. By providing complete, untruncated lessons with extensive cultural notes and authentic literary examples, the course respects the intelligence and dedication of self-directed learners.
Each lesson in this series maintains the same high standard of completeness and detail, ensuring that autodidacts have all the resources they need for successful language acquisition without requiring additional materials or teacher intervention.
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