ngayon
/ŋaˈjon/
The Filipino word for "now" is ngayon.
ngayon is an adverb meaning "at the present time". It can also function as a noun meaning "the present time", or as a conjunction meaning "since" or "because".
Meaning: at the present time (adv)
Which one should you use?
ngayon (now) is the temporal opposite of noon, which means "then" or "in the past".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add the particle din to ngayon to create ngayon din. This can mean "now too" or "also now", but it is also used to emphasize immediacy, meaning "right now" or "at this very moment". Adding the particle na to create ngayon na emphasizes that an action should happen immediately or has already started happening now.
How do you pronounce it?
/ŋaˈjon/
Did you know?
- While ngayon means 'now', Filipino uses a different system of aspect rather than tense to show time. The word ngayon is used to clarify that an action is happening in the present, as the verb itself might not specify the exact time.
- The word ngayon is used in the common expression ngayon lang, which can mean 'only now' or 'for the first time'. It is often used to express that a person has finally experienced something they had long waited for.
- Filipino speakers often use ngayon to start a sentence when they are about to pivot a conversation or change the subject, similar to how an English speaker might say 'Now, as for…'.
Examples in context
- Abala si Tom ngayon.Tom is occupied now.This sentence is useful for describing a person's current state with the word ngayon.Tatoeba #11647455 by qwertzu, translation #9348670 by CK
- Sundan mo ako ngayon.Now follow me.This sentence is useful for giving a command with the word ngayon.Tatoeba #7487669 by jenardcabilao, translation #2249671 by CK
- Aalis na tayo ngayon.We're going to go now.This sentence is useful for stating an immediate intention with the word ngayon.Tatoeba #9295934 by ConstanzeTen, translation #3310801 by CK
- Ngayon na ang tamang panahon.Now is the right time.
- Matapos ang pulong, magtatrabaho na tayo ngayon.After the meeting, we will work now.
- 197 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are discussing their schedule.
- JoseKailangan ba natin itong gawin ngayon?Do we need to do this now?
- PatriciaOo, kailangan na nating matapos ngayon.Yes, we need to finish it now.
- JoseSige, gagawin ko na ngayon.Okay, I will do it now.
- PatriciaSalamat, Jose.Thank you, Jose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries ngayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
