ay
/ʔaj/
The Tagalog word for "is" is ay.
ay functions as a linking verb used to connect a subject to a description or identity.
Which one should you use?
While ay is a direct translation for "is", it is often omitted in natural, everyday Tagalog speech in favor of the Predicate-Subject (Verb-Subject) word order.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ay is used in a formal sentence structure where the subject precedes the verb (Subject-Verb order).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaj/
Did you know?
- The word ay shares an identical spelling and sound with the Spanish interjection '¡Ay!', used to express sudden pain or surprise.
- If you use ay in a casual conversation with friends, you might sound like a character from a historical drama or a textbook.
Examples in context
- Si Tom ay masaya.Tom is happy.This sentence shows how to use ay to connect a subject to an adjective.Tatoeba #7139141 by kanlaon, translation #1025016 by CK
- Ang alak ay pula.Wine is red.This sentence demonstrates how ay connects a subject to a color.Tatoeba #13808236 by kangkong, translation #13334241 by Radek
- Ang lahat ay buhay.Everybody is alive.This sentence illustrates using ay to connect a subject to a state of being.Tatoeba #8652115 by England, translation #4495063 by CK
- Ang bahay ay malaki.The house is big.
- Si Maria ay maganda at matalino.Maria is beautiful and intelligent.
- Ang paninda ay mura.The merchandise is cheap.
- Ang pusa ay nasa loob ng bahay.The cat is inside the house.
- Ako ay nagtatrabaho sa kompanyang ito.I am working for this company.
- May aso sa tahanan niyo.There is a dog in your house.
- May pagkain sa kusina.There is food in the kitchen.
- Siya'y magaling na manunulat.He/she is a great writer.
- 609 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Ricardo are talking about a new house.
- ChristinaMalaki ay ang bahay nila.Their house is big.
- RicardoSaan ito matatagpuan?Where is it located?
- ChristinaAng lugar ay malapit sa parke.The place is near the park.
- RicardoMukhang maganda talaga doon.It really looks beautiful there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
