ngayon
/ŋaˈjon/
The Tagalog word for 'now' is ngayon.
Ngayon can be used as an adverb to mean 'at the present time'. It can also function as a noun to refer to 'the present' or 'the current era'.
Meaning: at the present time (adv)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a conjunction meaning 'since' or 'because', ngayon functions similarly to the English phrase 'now that'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ŋaˈjon/
Did you know?
- Filipinos may use ngayon in a sarcastic tone to imply that something is 'finally' happening after a long, frustrating delay.
- In Tagalog, ngayon can be used to start a sentence as a discourse marker to shift the topic, similar to how an English speaker might start a sentence with 'Now, as for…'.
- While ngayon means 'now', the phrase ngayon lang means 'only now' or 'for the first time', often used to express a belated realization.
Examples in context
- Abala si Tom ngayon.Tom is occupied now.This sentence shows how to describe someone's current state of being busy using ngayon.Tatoeba #11647455 by qwertzu, translation #9348670 by CK
- Sundan mo ako ngayon.Now follow me.This sentence uses ngayon to provide a command for the present moment.Tatoeba #7487669 by jenardcabilao, translation #2249671 by CK
- Aalis na tayo ngayon.We're going to go now.This sentence illustrates how to express an immediate intention to leave using ngayon.Tatoeba #9295934 by ConstanzeTen, translation #3310801 by CK
- Pumunta ka sa opisina ngayon.Go to the office now.
- Magsimula tayo ngayon.Let's start now.
- Oras na ngayon para matulog.It's time to sleep now.
- Sa ngayon, hindi mo pa ito kailangan.For now, you don't need this yet.
- Sa ngayon, wala pa akong sagot sa tanong mo.For now, I don't have an answer to your question yet.
- Pumunta ka sa opisina ngayong umaga.Go to the office this morning.
- Pwede na tayong kumain ngayon.We can eat now.
- Tapusin mo na iyan ngayon.Finish that now.
- 197 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Juan are talking in the kitchen.
- MariaGutom ka na ba ngayon?Are you hungry now?
- JuanHindi pa, pero pagod ako ngayon.Not yet, but I am tired now.
- MariaGusto mo bang kumain ngayon?Do you want to eat now?
- JuanSige, magluto na tayo ngayon.Sure, let's cook now.
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.
