kay
proper noun marker; for, to
Usage Note
Kay is a grammatical particle that marks the singular proper noun in various case roles — it functions as the indirect object marker ('for/to a person') and the possessive marker ('belonging to a person') for named individuals. It contrasts with 'kina' (plural). Essential for correct Tagalog sentence structure.
Examples
" Para ito kay Ana. "
Natural Translation
This is for Ana.
Literal Translation
For this to Ana.
" Ibinigay niya ang liham kay Maria. "
Natural Translation
He/She gave the letter to Maria.
Literal Translation
Gave he/she the letter to Maria.
" Ibinigay ko na kay Lola ang regalo na binili natin para sa kanyang kaarawan kahapon. "
Natural Translation
I already gave Grandma the gift that we bought for her birthday yesterday.
Literal Translation
Gave I already to Grandma the gift that bought we for to her birthday yesterday.
Take Tagalog with you
The full course, a 12,500-word dictionary, and flashcards that make every word stick — free to start on iOS and Android.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.
Tagalog Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.
Tagalog Pronouns Explained: Complete Chart with Examples
Every Tagalog pronoun explained with clear charts: ang/ng/sa forms, tayo vs kami, ikaw vs ka, politeness markers, and the mistakes beginners make.
Magkano: How to Ask "How Much" in Tagalog
Magkano means how much in Tagalog. Learn to ask a price, tell it apart from ilan and gaano, sound polite with po, and haggle at the palengke.