Reduplicated Root + -in/-hin
Contemplated Object-Focus Form
The -in contemplated aspect is the 'future' form for object-focus verbs. It indicates an action that is planned or intended, where the object is the ang phrase (the topic).
How It Works
The contemplated aspect (Aspektong Kontemplatibo) describes actions that are not yet begun. In the object focus, the focus is on the goal or the object of the action.
1. Formation Rules:
- CV-Reduplication: Repeat the first consonant and vowel of the root. If the root starts with a vowel, just repeat that vowel.
- Suffix -in: Used if the root ends in a consonant (e.g., gamit → gagamitin).
- Suffix -hin: Used if the root ends in a vowel (e.g., basa → babasahin).
2. Morphophonemic Changes:
- Stress Shift: The emphasis usually moves toward the end of the word (e.g., bása becomes babasahín).
- D to R Change: Roots ending in 'd' often change to 'r' when the suffix is added (e.g., lakad → lalakarin).
- Vowel Syncope: Some roots drop their last vowel before the suffix (e.g., bili → bibilhin, kuha → kukunin).
3. Usage Nuance:
While primarily used for future actions, this form can also function as a firm or polite command, such as 'You will eat this' (Kakainin mo ito).
Examples (4)
- Babasahin ko ang libro bukas.
I will read the book tomorrow.
Word by Word: Will-read by-me the book tomorrow.
The root is 'basa'. We repeat the first syllable 'ba' and add '-hin' because it ends in a vowel.
- Bibilhin niya ang bagong sapatos.
She will buy the new shoes.
Word by Word: Will-buy by-her the new shoes.
The root 'bili' undergoes vowel syncope (dropping the 'i') to become 'bibilhin' instead of 'bibilihin'.
- Gagawin natin ang proyekto mamaya.
We will do the project later.
Word by Word: Will-do by-us(inclusive) the project later.
The root 'gawa' (do/make) becomes 'gagawin' (will do).
- Lalakarin lang namin ang papuntang palengke.
We will just walk the way to the market.
Word by Word: Will-walk only by-us(exclusive) the going-to market.
The root 'lakad' ends in 'd', which changes to 'r' when the suffix is added: 'lalakarin'.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong pronoun case (subjective instead of genitive).
Babasahin ako ang libro.Babasahin ko ang libro.In object-focus sentences, the actor is marked by the ng-case (ko, mo, niya, etc.), not the ang-case (ako, ka, siya).
Forgetting the CV-reduplication for the future aspect.
Basahin ko ang libro bukas.Babasahin ko ang libro bukas.'Basahin' is the infinitive/command form. To indicate the contemplated (future) aspect, you must repeat the first syllable: 'Babasahin'.
Using 'babasain' when you mean 'will read'.
Different MeaningBabasain ko ang libro.Babasahin ko ang libro.'Babasain ko ang libro' is a good sentence, but it means 'I will get the book wet.' 'Basain' comes from the root 'basâ' (wet). To say 'will read', use 'babasahin', from 'basa' (read).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the contemplated aspect of -in verbs, you first need to understand the role of the -in suffix in focusing on the object of the sentence. You also need to be familiar with the concept of aspect (specifically actions not yet started) and the grammatical process of syllable reduplication used to indicate this aspect.
- -inPatient Focus with -In
Understanding the basic function of the -in suffix as an object-focus marker is essential before learning its specific aspectual forms.
Level 2 - Repeating A Syllable
The contemplated aspect in Filipino is formed by reduplicating the first syllable of the root, which is a core morphological process.
Foundations - Aspect Rather Than Tense
The contemplated aspect represents an action that has not yet started, requiring an understanding of how Filipino treats time through aspect rather than tense.
Foundations
Related Patterns
- Action Not Yet Begun
The general aspectual category for actions that have not yet begun.
Level 2 - First-Syllable Reduplication
The morphological process used to form the contemplated and progressive aspects.
Level 2 - -in-Completed Object-Focus Form
The completed version of this verb form, where -in- moves inside the word.
Level 2 - Choosing The Discourse Center
Explains why you would choose an -in verb over a mag- or -um- verb.
Level 2 - ako / ko / akinFirst-Person Singular Forms
Explains the different pronoun sets used for actors and objects.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice Reduplicated Root + -in/-hin in Bubblegum
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