anong oras na?
In Tagalog, anong oras na? is the phrase for "what time is it?"
This phrase is a question used to ask for the current time of day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of anong (what), oras (time) and na (already/now), literally translating to "what time already?"
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle po to Anong oras na? makes the question polite and suitable for addressing elders or strangers. You may also use the more formal sentence Puwede ko pong malaman ang oras?, which translates to "May I know the time?"
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, you will often see time expressed using the Spanish-derived terms for numbers, such as 'alas tres' for three o'clock.
- Historically, the word na was represented by its own specific character ᜈ in the indigenous Baybayin script.
- The literal translation 'what time already?' reflects a cultural tendency in Tagalog to view time as a state that has been reached.
Examples in context
- Anong oras na?What time is it?
- Excuse me, anong oras na?Excuse me, what time is it?
- Alam mo ba anong oras na?Do you know what time it is?
Example conversation
Jasmine and Juan are waiting for a bus at a stop.
- JasmineJuan, anong oras na?Juan, what time is it?
- JuanAlas-tres na ng hapon.It is already three in the afternoon.
- JasmineAng bilis ng oras.Time flies so fast.
- JuanOo, malapit na ang bus.Yes, the bus is coming soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, oras, CC BY-SA 4.0.
