kaano
The English word 'when' can be translated to Ilocano as kaano.
In Ilocano, kaano is used as an interrogative pronoun to ask a question about a specific time.
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
Which one should you use?
While 'when' in English can act as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'at the time that', the Ilocano word kaano is primarily used to ask a question (interrogative). To express 'at the time that' in Ilocano, speakers typically use different structures or particles depending on the dialect.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Ilocano, kaano functions as an interrogative pronoun to inquire about time.
Did you know?
- While kaano asks for a time, the word no is used for 'when' in conditional sentences. This is the same word used for 'if' in Ilocano.
- The word kaano is built from the prefix ka- and the interrogative root ano, which means 'what'.
- To ask 'when' about a recurring event, an Ilocano speaker might avoid kaano entirely and instead use frequency markers, as kaano focuses on a specific point in time.
Examples in context
- Kaano pay met a nagulbodak?When have I told a lie?This example shows how to use kaano when asking about the timing of an action.Tatoeba #4741140 by saluyot, translation #246436 by CK
- Kaanoka a naudi nga immiyot?When was the last time you had sex?This sentence demonstrates the use of kaano in a question regarding the last time an event occurred.Tatoeba #4649579 by saluyot, translation #2199742 by Hybrid
- Kaano a pinapintaam ti didingmo?When did you have your wall painted?This example illustrates how kaano is used to ask about the timing of a completed task.Tatoeba #4674426 by saluyot, translation #69570 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Rowena are discussing when to start cooking dinner.
- JuanKaano tayo nga agluto?When are we going to cook?
- RowenaAgluto tayo kaano nga uminutten dagiti ubbing.We will cook when the children arrive.
- JuanSige, agsaporda ak itan.Okay, I will prepare now.
- RowenaTulonganak kenka, Juan.I will help you, Juan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
