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naka-

ability or perfect tense marker

affix na-KA Grammatical origin Common

Usage Note

Naka- marks both the ability to perform an action and stative conditions resulting from a completed action — nakatulog means was able to sleep or is asleep, nakasuot means is wearing or has dressed. It is extremely versatile and appears constantly in everyday Tagalog.

Examples

Beginner

" Nakaupo ang lola. "

Natural Translation

Grandma is seated.

Literal Translation

Seated the grandma.

Intermediate

" Nakabarong ang lalaki. "

Natural Translation

The man is wearing a barong.

Literal Translation

Wearing-barong the man.

Advanced

" Nakatulog ako agad kagabi dahil sobrang pagod ako matapos ang buong araw na trabaho. "

Natural Translation

I managed to fall asleep right away last night because I was so tired after a whole day of work.

Literal Translation

Was-able-to-sleep I immediately last-night because very tired I after the whole day that work.

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