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nauna

first in sequence

adjective na-U-na DERIVED Less Common
Illustration of the root word "una" (first)
Illustration from root: una

From root: una

Usage Note

Nauna is a completed-aspect stative form of una indicating that a person or thing came, happened, or acted before others in a sequence. It is used attributively and predicatively in everyday speech for arrival order, queue position, and temporal precedence.

Examples

Beginner

" Nauna ako sa pila. "

Natural Translation

I was first in line.

Literal Translation

First I in the line.

Intermediate

" Nauna ang pula na kotse. "

Natural Translation

The red car was first.

Literal Translation

First the red that car.

Advanced

" Kahit nauna siyang dumating sa opisina, siya pa rin ang huling natawag para sa panayam. "

Natural Translation

Even though he arrived at the office first, he was still the last one called for the interview.

Literal Translation

Even-though first he arrived at the office, he still the last called for the interview.

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Word family

una has 8 related forms built from the same root.

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