sa
location/direction marker
Usage Note
Sa is one of the most fundamental particles in Tagalog, marking location, direction, and the indirect object or goal of an action. It has no single English equivalent — its meaning shifts between 'in', 'at', 'on', and 'to' depending entirely on context.
Examples
" Nasa bahay ako. "
Natural Translation
I am at home.
Literal Translation
At house I.
" Pumunta siya sa malaking palengke. "
Natural Translation
He/She went to the big market.
Literal Translation
Went he/she to big market.
" Pagkatapos ng trabaho, dumaan muna ako sa tindahan bago umuwi sa amin. "
Natural Translation
After work, I stopped by the store first before going home to our place.
Literal Translation
After of work, passed-by first I to store before went-home to ours.
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