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kailan

kailán with stress marks

when

interrogative adverb ka-i-LAN Native origin Common
Illustration of "kailan" (when)

Usage Note

Kailan is the standard question word for asking about time or dates and is often followed by the particle 'ba' in natural conversation. It refers to both past and future events depending on the aspect of the verb used in the sentence.

Examples

Beginner

" Kailan ka uuwi? "

Natural Translation

When will you come home?

Literal Translation

When you go-home?

Intermediate

" Kailan tayo aalis? "

Natural Translation

When are we leaving?

Literal Translation

When we leave?

Advanced

" Hindi pa namin alam kung kailan magsisimula ang klase dahil hindi pa kumpleto ang mga estudyante. "

Natural Translation

We don't know yet when classes will start because the students aren't complete yet.

Literal Translation

Not yet we know if when will-begin the class because not yet complete the students.

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