Usage Note
Daw (or raw after vowels and the letter w) is a Tagalog reportative particle indicating that the speaker is relaying information heard from someone else — similar to 'apparently' or 'they say' in English. It is one of the most frequently used particles in everyday speech and is essential for conveying hearsay without asserting personal knowledge.
Examples
" Maganda raw ang pelikula. "
Natural Translation
They say the movie is good.
Literal Translation
Beautiful they-say the movie.
" Wala daw pasok bukas. "
Natural Translation
According to (them), there are no classes tomorrow.
Literal Translation
None according-to class tomorrow.
" Hindi raw makakapasok ang guro bukas kaya kailangan nating gumawa muna ng sarili nating takdang-aralin. "
Natural Translation
Apparently the teacher won't be able to come in tomorrow, so we need to do our own homework first.
Literal Translation
Not they-say can-come the teacher tomorrow so need we do first of own our homework.
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