Usage Note
Ay is one of the most fundamental particles in Tagalog grammar, inverting the default verb-first sentence order to topic-first. Formal and written Tagalog uses ay more frequently than casual speech, where the inversion is often dropped.
Examples
" Si Maria ay mabait. "
Natural Translation
Maria is kind.
Literal Translation
Maria is kind.
" Ang lalaki ay isang guro. "
Natural Translation
The man is a teacher.
Literal Translation
The man is a teacher.
" Ang mga mag-aaral ay nag-aral nang mabuti dahil malapit na ang kanilang pagsusulit. "
Natural Translation
The students studied well because their exam is near.
Literal Translation
The plural student is studied of well because near already the their exam.
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