Tagalog is a beautiful language spoken by millions of people in the Philippines. If you’re looking to learn how to say “What is that?” in Tagalog, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of asking this question. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal:
1. “Ano ‘yan?” – The most common way to say “What is that?” in formal Tagalog is by using the phrase “Ano ‘yan?” The word “ano” means “what,” and “yan” is a contraction of the word “iyan,” which means “that.” This phrase is suitable for use in formal settings and with people you’re not very familiar with.
2. “Ano po iyon?” – Another polite way to ask “What is that?” in formal Tagalog is by using the phrase “Ano po iyon?” The addition of “po” makes the question more respectful and is often used when addressing older people or individuals in positions of authority.
Informal:
1. “Ano ‘yun?” – In informal situations or when talking to friends, you can use the phrase “Ano ‘yun?” to ask “What is that?” The word “yun” is a contraction of “iyon” and is commonly used in casual conversations.
2. “Anong ‘yan?” – Another way to ask “What is that?” informally is by saying “Anong ‘yan?” instead of “Ano ‘yan?” The word “anong” is a contraction of “ano ang,” which means “what is” in Tagalog. This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversations.
Examples:
Here are some examples of how to use these phrases in different contexts:
Formal:
A: “Ano ‘yan?” (What is that?)
B: “Ito po ay isang libro.” (This is a book.)
Informal:
A: “Ano ‘yun?” (What is that?)
B: “‘Yun ay bagong cellphone ko.” (That is my new cellphone.)
Formal:
A: “Ano po iyon?” (What is that?)
B: “Iyon po ay isang pintuan.” (That is a door.)
Informal:
A: “Anong ‘yan?” (What is that?)
B: “‘Yan ay kotse ng kaibigan ko.” (That is my friend’s car.)
Additional Tips:
- When asking “What is that?” in Tagalog, non-verbal cues such as pointing or gesturing can be helpful in clarifying your question.
- Remember to use the appropriate level of formality based on the person you’re addressing and the context of the conversation.
- If you’re unsure about the pronunciation, it can be beneficial to listen to native speakers or use online resources to improve your pronunciation skills.
Remember that language learning is a journey, and making an effort to communicate in someone else’s language is always appreciated. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask for help along the way.
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “What is that?” in Tagalog, you can confidently engage in conversations and explore the rich culture of the Philippines. Enjoy your language learning journey, magandang araw! (Have a great day!)
