Embedded Content Question

Level 3

In Filipino, when you want to say things like 'I know where he is' or 'Tell me who came,' you must place the particle kung before the question word (ano, sino, saan, etc.).

How It Works

This pattern is essential for complex sentences. It functions by embedding a content question into a larger sentence structure.

1. Placement: The particle kung is placed immediately before the interrogative word. Common pairings include:

  • kung ano (what...)
  • kung sino (who...)
  • kung saan (where...)
  • kung kailan (when...)
  • kung bakit (why...)
  • kung paano (how...)

2. Clitic Placement: A critical rule to become proficient in is enclitic second position. In these clauses, the question word counts as the first word. Therefore, pronouns like ka, mo, or nila and particles like na or pa must follow the question word, not the verb. For example: 'Sabihin mo sa akin kung ano na ang ginawa mo' (Tell me what you have already done).

3. Sentence Structure: Within the embedded clause, Filipino maintains its standard predicate-initial order. For example, in 'kung saan nakatira si Maria,' the verb 'nakatira' (lives) comes before the subject 'si Maria.'

4. Register: This is the standard way to form indirect questions in all levels of Filipino, from casual conversation to formal writing. In very fast speech, you might hear kung saan shortened to kunsan, but you should always write it as two separate words.

Examples (5)

  1. Alam ko kung saan siya nakatira.

    I know where he/she lives.

    Word by Word: Know I if where he/she lives.

    Here, 'kung saan' introduces the location as an object of the verb 'alam' (know).

  2. Hindi niya sinabi kung sino ang kasama niya.

    He/She didn't say who he/she was with.

    Word by Word: Not by-him/her said if who the companion his/hers.

    The phrase 'kung sino' embeds the question 'Who is the companion?' into the statement.

  3. Tinanong ko siya kung bakit siya malungkot.

    I asked him/her why he/she is sad.

    Word by Word: Asked by-me him/her if why he/she sad.

    The verb 'tanong' (ask) is naturally followed by 'kung' and a question word to report the inquiry.

  4. Sabihin mo sa akin kung kailan ka darating.

    Tell me when you will arrive.

    Word by Word: Tell you to me if when you will-arrive.

    This uses 'kung kailan' to embed a time-based question into a command.

  5. Hindi namin alam kung paano ito gagawin.

    We don't know how to do this.

    Word by Word: Not by-us know if how this will-do.

    Using 'kung paano' explains the method or manner that is unknown.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting 'kung' before the question word.

    Alam ko saan siya.
    Alam ko kung saan siya.

    Standard writing keeps 'kung' before the question word ('Alam ko kung saan siya'). In casual speech people often drop it, but 'kung' is the safe choice.

  • Placing clitic pronouns after the verb instead of after the question word.

    Hindi ko alam kung saan pupunta ka.
    Hindi ko alam kung saan ka pupunta.

    In Filipino, clitic pronouns like 'ka' or 'mo' follow the first word of the clause. In an embedded question, the question word is the first word, so the pronoun must jump to that position.

  • Using 'kapag' instead of 'kung' for indirect questions.

    Tinanong ko siya kapag kailan siya aalis.
    Tinanong ko siya kung kailan siya aalis.

    While both can mean 'when,' 'kapag' is for certain or recurring events. Only 'kung' can be used to introduce an indirect question word.

How It Connects

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Embedded Content QuestionLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand embedded content questions, you first need to know the basic question words (interrogative pronouns) and how the linker 'kung' or the general structure of relative clauses allows a full thought to function as the object of a verb like 'alam' (to know) or 'tanong' (to ask).

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