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na-

completed, incompleted, or perfective aspect

affix NA Grammatical origin Common

Usage Note

Na- is one of the most productive affixes in Tagalog, marking accidental or involuntary actions as well as stative conditions — nahulog signals an accidental fall, while natutuwa signals a state of happiness. Mastering na- is essential for expressing unintentional events and mental or physical states.

Examples

Beginner

" Natulog na ang bata. "

Natural Translation

The child fell asleep.

Literal Translation

Slept already the child.

Intermediate

" Nadulas ang bata. "

Natural Translation

The child slipped.

Literal Translation

Slipped the child.

Advanced

" Nahulog ang baso sa lamesa kanina dahil hindi mo ito inilagay nang maayos sa gitna. "

Natural Translation

The glass fell off the table earlier because you didn't place it properly in the middle.

Literal Translation

Fell the glass from table earlier because not you it placed properly in middle.

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