sa
/sa/formal, literally, neuter, slang
The Tagalog preposition 'in' is translated as sa.
The word sa is used to indicate location, such as being 'in' a container or 'in' a specific place. If you want to emphasize a location by saying 'inside', an alternative expression is Nasa loob.
Meaning: contained by (prep)
Which one should you use?
In English, there are distinct words for 'in' (inside), 'on' (surface) and 'at' (location). In Tagalog, sa is often used for all three of these concepts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition sa is highly versatile and can mean 'in', 'on', 'at', 'to' or 'from' depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sa/.
Did you know?
- While sa handles 'in', 'on' and 'at', Tagalog possesses a separate word loob that refers to the 'inner self' or 'inner soul'.
- Tagalog uses sa to mark the indirect object of a sentence, effectively acting as the English word 'to' when giving something to someone.
- The written form of sa is directly linked to the ancient Baybayin script through the character ᜐ.
Examples in context
- Sa lilim ka lang.Keep in the shade.Tatoeba #11447973 by qwertzu, translation #281103 by CM
- May presas sa ref.There are some strawberries in the fridge.Tatoeba #11807730 by qwertzu, translation #10498498 by CK
- May tulo sa bubong.There is a leak in the roof.Tatoeba #10170584 by theSardonyx, translation #60219 by CK
- Sa loob ng simbahanInside the church
- Nasa loob ako ng tindahan.I am inside the store.
- Diretso kami sa loob ng sinehan.We're going straight into the cinema.
- Pwede kang umupo sa loob ng kotse.You can sit inside the car.
- 2032 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Jose are looking for a key in a bag.
- ChristinaNasaan ang susi, Jose?Where is the key, Jose?
- JoseWala sa loob ng bag.It is not in the bag.
- ChristinaBaka nasa bulsa mo sa pantalon.Maybe it is in your pants pocket.
- JoseAy, oo, nasa bulsa ko nga!Oh, yes, it is indeed in my pocket!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in” translations and entries sa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
