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kaniya

his or hers

adjective ka-ni-YA DERIVED Common
Illustration of the root word "niya" (his or her; by him or her)
Illustration from root: niya

From root: niya

Usage Note

Kaniya is the third-person singular oblique and possessive pronoun, functioning as the goal, beneficiary, or possessor marker for a single individual regardless of gender — Filipino pronouns do not distinguish he from she. It appears after the marker sa to indicate that something belongs to or is directed toward that person, and contrasts with niya, which marks agency.

Examples

Beginner

" Kaniya ang bagong sapatos. "

Natural Translation

The new shoes are hers.

Literal Translation

Hers the new shoes.

Intermediate

" Ito ang kaniya. "

Natural Translation

This is his/hers.

Literal Translation

This the his/hers.

Advanced

" Ibinigay ko sa kaniya ang susi dahil siya ang mag-iingat ng bahay habang wala kami. "

Natural Translation

I gave the key to him because he is the one who will look after the house while we are away.

Literal Translation

Gave I to him the key because he the will-guard of house while not-present we.

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Word family

niya has 2 related forms built from the same root.

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