Language/Tagalog/Grammar/Future-Tense
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore the Tagalog future tense and its various forms and constructions. The future tense is an important aspect of the Tagalog language as it allows us to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. Understanding how to use the future tense correctly will enable you to express your intentions, make plans, and talk about future events in Tagalog.
Throughout this lesson, we will delve into the details of the future tense, providing clear explanations, numerous examples, and engaging exercises to help you grasp this concept effectively. We will also explore any regional variations in the usage of the future tense and discuss interesting cultural facts related to this topic. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the Tagalog future tense and be able to use it confidently in your conversations.
Forms of the Future Tense[edit | edit source]
In Tagalog, there are several ways to express the future tense. Let's take a look at the different forms and constructions:
Form 1: Using the Word "Mag"[edit | edit source]
One common way to express the future tense in Tagalog is by using the word "mag" before the base form of the verb. This form is used for actions or events that the subject will initiate or perform in the future. Take a look at the following examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Magbabasa ako. | Mahg-BAH-bah-sah AH-koh. | I will read. |
| Magluluto siya. | Mahg-LOO-loo-toh see-YAH. | He/She will cook. |
| Maglalakad tayo. | Mahg-la-LAH-kahd TAH-yoh. | We will walk. |
As you can see, by adding "mag" before the base form of the verb, we indicate that the action will happen in the future. The word "mag" also changes depending on the first letter of the base form of the verb. For example, if the base form starts with a vowel, "mag" becomes "mag-" to facilitate pronunciation.
Form 2: Using the Word "Mam"[edit | edit source]
Another way to express the future tense in Tagalog is by using the word "mam" before the base form of the verb. This form is used for actions or events that will happen to the subject in the future, rather than actions that the subject will initiate. Let's look at some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mammalengke ako. | Mahm-mah-LENG-keh AH-koh. | I will go to the market. |
| Mamimili siya. | Mahm-mee-MEE-lee see-YAH. | He/She will go shopping. |
| Mamasyal tayo. | Mahm-mah-SYAL TAH-yoh. | We will go for a walk. |
By using "mam" before the base form of the verb, we indicate that the action will happen to the subject in the future. It is important to note that "mam" also changes depending on the first letter of the base form of the verb, similar to the "mag" form.
Form 3: Using "Bubuo" and "Bubuoin"[edit | edit source]
The future tense can also be expressed using the words "bubuo" and "bubuoin." These forms are used to indicate that an action or event will be completed in the future. Let's take a look at some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bubuo ako ng bahay. | Boo-BOH AH-koh ng bah-HAI. | I will build a house. |
| Bubuoin niya ang puzzle. | Boo-BOH-een nee-YAH ahng PUZ-zuhl. | He/She will complete the puzzle. |
| Bubuoin natin ang proyekto. | Boo-BOH-een NAH-tin ahng pro-YEK-toh. | We will finish the project. |
In these examples, we use "bubuo" or "bubuoin" before the object of the sentence to indicate that the action will be completed in the future. This form is often used when talking about long-term plans or goals.
Form 4: Using Time Expressions[edit | edit source]
In addition to using specific words or constructions, we can also indicate the future tense in Tagalog by using time expressions that refer to the future. This form is versatile and can be used in various contexts. Let's see some examples:
| Tagalog | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bukas pupunta ako sa palengke. | Boo-KAHS poo-POON-tah AH-koh sa pah-LENG-keh. | Tomorrow, I will go to the market. |
| Sa susunod na linggo mag-aaral siya. | Sah soo-SOO-nod nah LEENG-goh mahg-AH-rahl see-YAH. | Next week, he/she will study. |
| Sa darating na taon, maglalakbay tayo. | Sah dah-RAH-teeng nah TAH-ohn, mahg-la-LAHK-bai TAH-yoh. | In the coming year, we will travel. |
By using time expressions like "bukas" (tomorrow), "sa susunod na linggo" (next week), or "sa darating na taon" (in the coming year), we can clearly convey that the action or event will happen in the future.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Filipino culture, the future tense is not only used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future but also to express politeness and respect. When making requests or asking for permission, it is common to use the future tense to show deference to the listener. For example:
"Magtatanong lang po ako." (I will just ask, sir/ma'am.)
"Magpapaalam po ako." (I will ask for permission, sir/ma'am.)
By using the future tense in these situations, the speaker demonstrates courtesy and acknowledges the authority or seniority of the person they are speaking to.
Another interesting aspect of the future tense in Tagalog is the use of the word "mamaya," which means "later" or "in a while." This word is often used to refer to a future time that is relatively near or immediate. For example:
"Tara, kain tayo mamaya." (Let's eat later.)
"Mag-usap tayo mamaya." (Let's talk later.)
"Mamaya na lang ako pupunta." (I will go later instead.)
Using "mamaya" in these contexts conveys a sense of flexibility and allows for a more relaxed approach to time management.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now that we have learned about the different forms and constructions of the future tense, let's practice using them in context. Complete the following exercises by filling in the blanks with the appropriate form of the future tense. The solutions can be found at the end of the lesson.
1. Mag-__________ kami ng bahay sa susunod na taon. 2. __________ siya magluluto ng hapunan mamaya. 3. Bubuoin namin ang proyekto ____________. 4. Bukas ____________ ako sa sinehan. 5. Mammalengke ____________ sila sa umaga. 6. Sa darating na linggo, ____________ kami sa beach. 7. Mamimili ____________ ako ng damit sa mall. 8. Magbabasa ____________ tayo ng libro mamaya.
Solutions[edit | edit source]
1. Magbuo 2. Mamimili 3. buong araw 4. pupunta 5. mamayang hapon 6. maglalakbay 7. mamaya 8. ngayon
In these exercises, we used different forms of the future tense to express various actions or events happening in the future. Practice using these forms in your own conversations to become more comfortable with the future tense in Tagalog.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the Tagalog future tense and its different forms and constructions. The future tense is an essential aspect of the Tagalog language and allows you to express future actions, intentions, and plans. By using the forms and constructions we discussed, along with time expressions, you will be able to convey your thoughts about future events effectively.
Continue practicing and using the future tense in your conversations to strengthen your language skills. In the next lesson, we will explore another important topic in Tagalog grammar. Hanggang sa muli! (Until next time!)
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Tagalog: MAG Verbs (Forming Future, Present, & Past Tense ...[edit | edit source]
FUTURE TENSE in Filipino 1 | Tagalog Grammar Tutorial - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- How to Conjugate Filipino and Tagalog Verbs: Types and Tenses ...
- Tagalog grammar-past present and future tense | Study Tagalog
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Nouns
- Pronouns
- How to Use Have
- Plurals
- Questions
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- How to Use Be
- Give your Opinion