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mga

plural marker; approximately

particle adverb ma-NGA Native origin Common

Usage Note

Mga is one of the most frequently used words in Tagalog, serving both as a plural marker before nouns and as an adverb indicating approximation before numbers or time expressions. It has no single direct English equivalent and must be learned as a grammatical particle in its own right.

Examples

Beginner

" Marami ang mga libro. "

Natural Translation

There are many books.

Literal Translation

Many the plural book.

Intermediate

" Ang mga bata ay naglalaro ng masaya sa parke ngayon. "

Natural Translation

The children are playing happily in the park today.

Literal Translation

The plural child is playing of happy in park today.

Advanced

" Inayos ko na ang mga damit sa aparador bago dumating ang mga bisita mamaya. "

Natural Translation

I already arranged the clothes in the closet before the guests arrive later.

Literal Translation

Fixed by-me already the plural clothes in closet before arrive the plural guest later.

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