Usage Note
Lapi is the linguistic term for an affix — a morpheme added to a root word (salitang-ugat) to modify its meaning or grammatical function. It encompasses unlapi (prefix), gitlapi (infix), and hulapi (suffix). The word is used primarily in formal grammar instruction and academic Filipino language study.
Examples
" Ano ang lapi nito? "
Natural Translation
What is the affix of this?
Literal Translation
What the affix of-this?
" Ano ang lapi ng salita? "
Natural Translation
What is the affix of the word?
Literal Translation
What the affix of word?
" Ipinaliwanag ng guro na ang lapi ay maaaring idagdag sa unahan, gitna, o hulihan ng salitang-ugat. "
Natural Translation
The teacher explained that an affix can be added to the beginning, middle, or end of a root word.
Literal Translation
Explained by-the teacher that the affix is can be-added at-the front, middle, or back of-the root-word.
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 workDerived Words
Related 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 Word Order: Sentence Structure Made Simple
Why Tagalog puts the verb first, and how ang, ng, and sa markers work. A clear guide to VSO word order, forming questions, and negation.
Tagalog Question Words: Ano, Sino, Saan & More
Tagalog question words like ano, sino, and saan need the right frame to work. Learn the ang-vs-pronoun rule, confusable pairs, and the ba particle with audio.