lamang
lámang with stress marks
only, merely, just
Also means
Lamang can also mean advantage or lead when used as a noun with stress shifted, as in 'may lamang siya' (he has the lead/advantage).
Usage Note
Lamang as an adverb restricts the scope of a statement, equivalent to 'only' or 'merely', and is one of the most common particles in spoken Tagalog. In casual speech it is nearly always shortened to lang, while the full form lamang is reserved for formal writing and emphasis.
Examples
" Tubig lamang ang gusto ko. "
Natural Translation
I only want water.
Literal Translation
Water only the want I.
" Isa lamang ito. "
Natural Translation
This is only one.
Literal Translation
One only this.
" Hindi pera ang hinihingi niya kundi kaunting pang-unawa lamang sa kaniyang sitwasyon. "
Natural Translation
It is not money that he/she is asking for but merely a little understanding of his/her situation.
Literal Translation
Not money the asking his/her but little understanding only of his/her situation.
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