What does it mean word for word?
The phrase anong ginagawa mo? is a contraction of ano ang ginagawa mo?, where ano means "what", ang serves as a marker (the), ginagawa means "doing" and mo means "you".
Which one should you use?
The full, uncontracted version of the phrase is ano ang ginagawa mo? For a more specific inquiry regarding an ongoing action, you can use Ano ang kasalukuyang ginagawa ninyo? to ask "What are you currently doing?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form anong ginagawa mo? is informal and suitable for friends or peers. However, it may sound blunt when used with elders or superiors. To be polite and respectful, you should use Ano po ang ginagawa ninyo?
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to make the question polite, replace the singular pronoun mo with the plural or polite form niyo, resulting in anong ginagawa niyo?
Did you know?
- The word mo shares the same ancient ancestor as the '-mu' suffix found in Malay, a sister language in the Austronesian family.
- The structure of the verb ginagawa relies on a process called reduplication, where parts of the root are repeated to show the action is ongoing.
- While anong ginagawa mo? is a question, it is often used as a conversational 'filler' or a way to start a chat, similar to how English speakers use 'What's up?'
Example conversation
Maria walks into the living room and sees Ricardo fixing a chair.
- JoseRicardo, anong ginagawa mo?Ricardo, what are you doing?
- JasmineInaayos ko lang itong upuan.I'm just fixing this chair.
- JoseSira ba iyan?Is that broken?
- JasmineOo, maluwag na ang paa nito.Yes, the leg is already loose.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ginagawa, mo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
