Usage Note
Pa is one of the most versatile and high-frequency particles in Tagalog, shifting meaning based on context and verb aspect — it can express continuation, addition, or negated completion depending on the sentence. Mastery of pa alongside hindi pa is a key step toward natural-sounding Tagalog.
Examples
" Bata pa siya. "
Natural Translation
He is still young.
Literal Translation
Child still he.
" Mayroon pa tayong oras bago magsimula ang palabas. "
Natural Translation
We still have time before the show starts.
Literal Translation
Have still we time before start the show.
" Huwag ka munang umalis dahil hindi pa natin natatapos ang usapan natin tungkol sa proyekto. "
Natural Translation
Don't leave yet because we haven't finished our conversation about the project.
Literal Translation
Don't you first leave because not yet we finished the conversation our about the project.
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 workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.
May vs Mayroon vs Meron: Have & There Is
May vs mayroon in Tagalog finally made simple: one rule decides which to use, plus how meron and wala fit the same have and there-is family.
Tagalog Time Expressions: Past, Present & Future Guide
Tagalog has no tenses — it uses aspect. Learn time words, days of the week, clock time, and the aspect system, with vocabulary tables and cultural notes.
Tagalog Verb Conjugation: Aspects Made Simple
Tagalog verb conjugation uses aspects, not tenses. Learn the three aspects with -um- and mag- verbs, one reduplication rule, and clear example tables.
Filipino Family Words and Honorifics: Ate, Kuya & Tita
Filipino family words like ate, kuya, tita, tito, lolo, and lola go far beyond family — learn how Filipinos use them with strangers, plus mano po etiquette.