The English word "but" is a fundamental conjunction used to express contrast, opposition, or exception between ideas. In Tagalog, this concept is primarily expressed through two words: "pero" (borrowed from Spanish) and "ngunit" (native Tagalog). Both words serve the same grammatical function as the English "but," connecting contrasting ideas or statements.
Q: What does "but" mean in Tagalog? A: "But" in Tagalog is expressed as "pero" (more common in everyday speech) or "ngunit" (more formal/literary). Both words introduce a contrasting idea or exception to what was previously stated, functioning exactly like the English "but."
In this lesson, you will encounter "pero" and "ngunit" in various sentence positions and contexts. The examples demonstrate how these conjunctions connect contrasting ideas in natural Tagalog speech, from simple everyday contradictions to more complex philosophical contrasts. You'll see how word placement affects emphasis and how these conjunctions interact with other Tagalog grammatical elements.
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Subject: Language Learning - Tagalog for English Speakers -
Level: Beginner to Intermediate -
Focus: Conjunction usage - "pero/ngunit" (but) -
Skills: Reading comprehension, grammar understanding, cultural awareness -
Learning Type: Self-study/Autodidactic
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"Pero" and "ngunit" both mean "but" in Tagalog -
"Pero" is more common in everyday conversation -
"Ngunit" is more formal and literary -
Both can appear at the beginning of a sentence or between clauses -
Word order in Tagalog differs from English when using these conjunctions
24.1 Gusto want ko I ng of kape coffee pero but wala none akong I-have pera money
24.2 Maganda beautiful ang the bahay house ngunit but mahal expensive ang the upa rent
24.3 Marunong knows siyang he/she mag-Ingles speak-English pero but nahihiya shy siyang he/she magsalita to-speak
24.4 Pero but bakit why ka you umiiyak crying?
24.5 Masarap delicious ang the pagkain food ngunit but konti little lang only ang the serving serving
24.6 Gusto want naming we pumunta to-go sa to beach beach pero but umuulan raining
24.7 Matalino intelligent ang the bata child ngunit but tamad lazy mag-aral to-study
24.8 Sabi said niya he/she darating will-come siya he/she pero but hindi not siya he/she dumating came
24.9 Ngunit but sino who ang the magsasabi will-tell sa to kanya him/her?
24.10 Libre free ang the entrance entrance pero but bayad paid ang the pagkain food
24.11 Mayaman rich siya he/she ngunit but hindi not siya he/she masaya happy
24.12 Gustong-gusto really-want kong I matulog to-sleep pero but kailangan need kong I magtrabaho to-work
24.13 Malamig cold sa in labas outside ngunit but mainit hot sa in loob inside
24.14 Sinubukan tried niyang he/she tumakbo to-run pero but napagod got-tired siya he/she kaagad immediately
24.15 Pero but totoo true ba question ang the sinasabi saying mo you?
What is "but" in Tagalog? "But" in Tagalog is expressed as: -
"Pero" - The more common, everyday form (from Spanish) -
"Ngunit" - The more formal, literary form (native Tagalog)
Both words function as conjunctions that introduce contrasting or opposing ideas, exactly like "but" in English. They connect two clauses where the second clause presents information that contrasts with, limits, or contradicts the first clause.
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24.1 Gusto ko ng kape pero wala akong pera. I want coffee but I don't have money.
24.2 Maganda ang bahay ngunit mahal ang upa. The house is beautiful but the rent is expensive.
24.3 Marunong siyang mag-Ingles pero nahihiya siyang magsalita. He knows how to speak English but he's shy to speak.
24.4 Pero bakit ka umiiyak? But why are you crying?
24.5 Masarap ang pagkain ngunit konti lang ang serving. The food is delicious but the serving is small.
24.6 Gusto naming pumunta sa beach pero umuulan. We want to go to the beach but it's raining.
24.7 Matalino ang bata ngunit tamad mag-aral. The child is intelligent but lazy to study.
24.8 Sabi niya darating siya pero hindi siya dumating. He said he would come but he didn't come.
24.9 Ngunit sino ang magsasabi sa kanya? But who will tell him?
24.10 Libre ang entrance pero bayad ang pagkain. The entrance is free but the food costs money.
24.11 Mayaman siya ngunit hindi siya masaya. She is rich but she is not happy.
24.12 Gustong-gusto kong matulog pero kailangan kong magtrabaho. I really want to sleep but I need to work.
24.13 Malamig sa labas ngunit mainit sa loob. It's cold outside but hot inside.
24.14 Sinubukan niyang tumakbo pero napagod siya kaagad. She tried to run but she got tired immediately.
24.15 Pero totoo ba ang sinasabi mo? But is what you're saying true?
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24.1 Gusto ko ng kape pero wala akong pera.
24.2 Maganda ang bahay ngunit mahal ang upa.
24.3 Marunong siyang mag-Ingles pero nahihiya siyang magsalita.
24.4 Pero bakit ka umiiyak?
24.5 Masarap ang pagkain ngunit konti lang ang serving.
24.6 Gusto naming pumunta sa beach pero umuulan.
24.7 Matalino ang bata ngunit tamad mag-aral.
24.8 Sabi niya darating siya pero hindi siya dumating.
24.9 Ngunit sino ang magsasabi sa kanya?
24.10 Libre ang entrance pero bayad ang pagkain.
24.11 Mayaman siya ngunit hindi siya masaya.
24.12 Gustong-gusto kong matulog pero kailangan kong magtrabaho.
24.13 Malamig sa labas ngunit mainit sa loob.
24.14 Sinubukan niyang tumakbo pero napagod siya kaagad.
24.15 Pero totoo ba ang sinasabi mo?
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1. Basic Usage -
"Pero" and "ngunit" are coordinating conjunctions -
They connect two independent clauses or ideas that contrast -
Both can be used interchangeably in most contexts
2. Word Placement -
Usually placed between two clauses: [Clause 1] + pero/ngunit + [Clause 2] -
Can begin a sentence for emphasis, especially in conversational Tagalog -
Never placed at the end of a sentence (unlike some Tagalog particles)
3. Pero vs. Ngunit -
Pero (from Spanish): More colloquial, used in everyday conversation -
Ngunit (native Tagalog): More formal, used in writing and formal speech
4. Sentence Structure Patterns -
Subject + Predicate + pero/ngunit + Subject + Predicate -
Adjective + Subject + pero/ngunit + Adjective + Subject -
Verb phrase + pero/ngunit + Verb phrase
1. Wrong Word Order -
❌ "Gusto ko pero ng kape wala akong pera" -
✓ "Gusto ko ng kape pero wala akong pera" -
The conjunction must come between complete thoughts
2. Using "But" with "Kahit" (Even though) -
❌ "Kahit mayaman siya pero hindi siya masaya" -
✓ "Kahit mayaman siya, hindi siya masaya" (no "pero" needed) -
"Kahit" already implies contrast
3. Double Negatives -
❌ "Hindi siya pumunta pero hindi rin siya tumawag" -
✓ "Hindi siya pumunta at hindi rin siya tumawag" (use "at"/and instead) -
When both clauses are negative, use "at" not "pero"
Similarities: -
Both languages use "but" to show contrast -
Position between clauses is the same -
Can start sentences for emphasis
Differences: -
Tagalog has two options (pero/ngunit) while English has one -
Tagalog word order within clauses differs from English -
Tagalog often omits pronouns that English requires
Step 1: Identify your two contrasting ideas Step 2: Form each idea as a complete Tagalog clause Step 3: Choose pero (casual) or ngunit (formal) Step 4: Connect the clauses with your chosen conjunction Step 5: Check that each clause could stand alone as a sentence
Forms: pero, ngunit (no conjugation or declension needed) Function: Coordinating conjunction Position: Between clauses or sentence-initial Register: pero (informal), ngunit (formal) Combines with: Independent clauses only Cannot combine with: Other conjunctions in the same position
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In Filipino culture, the use of "pero" versus "ngunit" reflects important social dynamics. The choice between these two words often signals the speaker's educational background, social context, and relationship with the listener.
"Pero" in Daily Life The Spanish-derived "pero" dominates everyday Filipino conversation. Its prevalence reflects the 300+ years of Spanish colonial influence on the Philippines. You'll hear "pero" in markets, casual conversations, text messages, and social media posts. It's the natural choice for most Filipinos in informal settings.
"Ngunit" in Formal Contexts "Ngunit" appears in formal writing, academic papers, news broadcasts, and official speeches. Using "ngunit" in casual conversation might make you sound overly formal or even pretentious. However, it's the preferred choice in Filipino literature, formal documentation, and educational materials.
The Art of Softening Disagreement Filipinos value harmony and often use "pero" to soften disagreements. Instead of direct contradiction, Filipinos might say "Oo, pero..." (Yes, but...) to acknowledge the other person's point before presenting a different view. This reflects the cultural value of "pakikipagkapwa" (smooth interpersonal relationships).
Code-Switching and "But" In Taglish (Tagalog-English code-switching), speakers often use the English "but" instead of "pero" or "ngunit," especially among educated urban Filipinos. This linguistic flexibility is a hallmark of contemporary Filipino communication.
Regional Variations While "pero" and "ngunit" are understood nationwide, some regions have their own ways of expressing contrast. In some Visayan languages, "apan" serves the same function. This diversity reflects the Philippines' rich linguistic landscape.
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From "Banaag at Sikat" (Light and Darkness) by Lope K. Santos (1906), Chapter 3:
"Ang mga tao ay nagmamadali ngunit walang patutunguhan. Masaya sila sa labas pero malungkot sa loob. May pera ngunit walang kapayapaan. Ganito ang buhay sa siyudad - puno ng kontradiksyon at kalituhan."
Ang The mga plural tao people ay are nagmamadali hurrying ngunit but walang no patutunguhan destination. Masaya Happy sila they sa in labas outside pero but malungkot sad sa in loob inside. May Have pera money ngunit but walang no kapayapaan peace. Ganito Like-this ang the buhay life sa in siyudad city - puno full ng of kontradiksyon contradiction at and kalituhan confusion.
"Ang mga tao ay nagmamadali ngunit walang patutunguhan. Masaya sila sa labas pero malungkot sa loob. May pera ngunit walang kapayapaan. Ganito ang buhay sa siyudad - puno ng kontradiksyon at kalituhan."
"The people are hurrying but have no destination. They are happy on the outside but sad on the inside. They have money but no peace. Such is life in the city - full of contradictions and confusion."
This passage from Lope K. Santos's groundbreaking novel demonstrates the masterful use of both "ngunit" and "pero" to create a rhythm of contrasts. Santos alternates between the formal "ngunit" and colloquial "pero" to vary the tone and maintain reader interest. The passage critiques urban life through a series of paradoxes, each connected by these conjunctions of contrast.
Pattern Analysis: -
First sentence: Statement + ngunit + negation -
Second sentence: Adjective + pero + opposite adjective -
Third sentence: Positive state + ngunit + negative state
Literary Device: Santos uses parallel structure with contrasting conjunctions to create a powerful rhetorical effect. Each "pero/ngunit" introduces an unexpected reversal, building toward the final declaration about city life.
Language Register: The mix of "ngunit" (formal) and "pero" (informal) creates a balanced tone - neither too academic nor too colloquial, perfect for a novel addressing social issues.
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24.16 Mahal love kita I-you pero but kailangan need kong I umalis to-leave
24.17 Nag-aral studied siya he/she nang manner mabuti well ngunit but hindi not pa yet rin also siya he/she nakapasa passed
24.18 Ang the baryo village ay is tahimik quiet pero but puno full ng of lihim secret
24.19 Pero but paano how kung if malaman find-out nila they ang the totoo truth?
24.20 Mabait kind ang the matanda old-person ngunit but mahigpit strict sa in tradisyon tradition
24.21 Umuwi went-home na already siya he/she pero but naiwan left-behind ang the puso heart niya his/her doon there
24.22 Malaki big ang the pangarap dream niya his/her ngunit but kulang lacking ang the kakayahan ability
24.23 Sinabi said niya he/she ang the totoo truth pero but walang no-one naniniwala believes
24.24 Ngunit but bakit why ganito like-this ang the takbo course ng of kapalaran fate?
24.25 Masaya happy ang the pamilya family pero but may there-is kulang lacking pa still rin also
24.26 Lumaban fought siya he/she ngunit but natalo lost sa in huli end
24.27 May have trabaho work siya he/she pero but hindi not sapat enough ang the sahod salary
24.28 Magkapatid siblings sila they ngunit but magkaiba different ang the landas path
24.29 Pero but sino who ba really ang the may has kasalanan fault?
24.30 Nawala lost ang the lahat all pero but nandoon there pa still rin also ang the pag-asa hope
24.16 Mahal kita pero kailangan kong umalis. I love you but I need to leave.
24.17 Nag-aral siya nang mabuti ngunit hindi pa rin siya nakapasa. She studied well but she still didn't pass.
24.18 Ang baryo ay tahimik pero puno ng lihim. The village is quiet but full of secrets.
24.19 Pero paano kung malaman nila ang totoo? But what if they find out the truth?
24.20 Mabait ang matanda ngunit mahigpit sa tradisyon. The elder is kind but strict with tradition.
24.21 Umuwi na siya pero naiwan ang puso niya doon. He went home but his heart remained there.
24.22 Malaki ang pangarap niya ngunit kulang ang kakayahan. His dreams are big but his abilities are lacking.
24.23 Sinabi niya ang totoo pero walang naniniwala. She told the truth but no one believes.
24.24 Ngunit bakit ganito ang takbo ng kapalaran? But why is fate running this course?
24.25 Masaya ang pamilya pero may kulang pa rin. The family is happy but something is still missing.
24.26 Lumaban siya ngunit natalo sa huli. He fought but lost in the end.
24.27 May trabaho siya pero hindi sapat ang sahod. She has work but the salary isn't enough.
24.28 Magkapatid sila ngunit magkaiba ang landas. They are siblings but their paths are different.
24.29 Pero sino ba ang may kasalanan? But who is really at fault?
24.30 Nawala ang lahat pero nandoon pa rin ang pag-asa. Everything was lost but hope still remains there.
24.16 Mahal kita pero kailangan kong umalis.
24.17 Nag-aral siya nang mabuti ngunit hindi pa rin siya nakapasa.
24.18 Ang baryo ay tahimik pero puno ng lihim.
24.19 Pero paano kung malaman nila ang totoo?
24.20 Mabait ang matanda ngunit mahigpit sa tradisyon.
24.21 Umuwi na siya pero naiwan ang puso niya doon.
24.22 Malaki ang pangarap niya ngunit kulang ang kakayahan.
24.23 Sinabi niya ang totoo pero walang naniniwala.
24.24 Ngunit bakit ganito ang takbo ng kapalaran?
24.25 Masaya ang pamilya pero may kulang pa rin.
24.26 Lumaban siya ngunit natalo sa huli.
24.27 May trabaho siya pero hindi sapat ang sahod.
24.28 Magkapatid sila ngunit magkaiba ang landas.
24.29 Pero sino ba ang may kasalanan?
24.30 Nawala ang lahat pero nandoon pa rin ang pag-asa.
1. Emotional Contrasts Contemporary Filipino writers use "pero" to express emotional complexity: -
Love pero duty (Mahal kita pero kailangan kong umalis) -
Success pero emptiness (May pera pero walang kapayapaan) -
Hope pero reality (Malaki ang pangarap ngunit kulang ang kakayahan)
2. Narrative Tension "Pero/ngunit" creates dramatic tension by introducing: -
Unexpected revelations -
Character conflicts -
Plot twists -
Thematic contradictions
3. Stylistic Choices in Modern Fiction -
"Pero" dominates dialogue (authentic speech) -
"Ngunit" appears in narrative descriptions (literary tone) -
Sentence-initial "pero" for dramatic effect -
Rhetorical questions with "pero" for internal monologue
4. Common Fiction Patterns -
Action + pero + consequence -
Appearance + pero + reality -
Desire + ngunit + obstacle -
Past + pero + present
5. Contemporary Taglish Integration Modern writers might use: -
"Pero" in Tagalog text -
"But" when code-switching to English -
Mixed constructions reflecting urban speech
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This lesson is part of a comprehensive language learning series developed by the Latinum Institute, drawing on pedagogical methods refined since 2006. The course design reflects the expertise of curator Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been creating innovative online language learning materials for over 18 years.
The approach used in these lessons, as detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, emphasizes:
1. Granular Interlinear Translation Each word is glossed individually, allowing learners to build vocabulary systematically while understanding grammatical relationships. This method mirrors classical language pedagogy while adapting to modern autodidactic needs.
2. Progressive Scaffolding Sections A through D provide increasingly independent engagement with the target language, from word-by-word analysis to full native text, supporting gradual skill development.
3. Cultural and Literary Integration Sections E and F ensure learners understand not just grammar but also cultural context and authentic usage through real literary examples.
4. Genre Variety Each lesson includes a genre section exploring different text types, preparing learners for diverse real-world language encounters.
Self-Paced Learning: Complete lessons allow independent study without teacher dependence
Comprehensive Coverage: All aspects of language learning addressed in each lesson
Immediate Application: Examples use high-frequency vocabulary in practical contexts
Cultural Competence: Cultural notes prevent communication errors beyond grammar
Literary Exposure: Authentic texts provide models for advanced language use
Evan der Millner, founder of the Latinum Institute, brings academic rigor from Cambridge and practical online pedagogy experience to language learning. Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has pioneered online classical and modern language education, developing methods that serve thousands of autodidactic learners worldwide.
For more information and additional resources, visit: -
latinum.substack.com -
latinum.org.uk
The Latinum Institute continues to innovate in online language education, making quality language learning accessible to motivated self-directed learners globally.
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