Noun + na/-ng + Adjective

Linked Noun and Modifier

Level 1

In Filipino, you cannot simply place an adjective next to a noun like in English. You must use a 'linker' (na or -ng) to bridge them together. The linker changes form based on the sound of the word it follows.

How It Works

The linker is one of the most important parts of Filipino grammar. It is technically a single morpheme with different forms (allomorphs) determined by phonology.

1. The -ng Suffix (Vowels and 'N')
If a word ends in a vowel, attach -ng directly to it.
Example: babae (woman) + maganda (beautiful) = babaeng maganda.
If a word ends in the letter n, drop the n and add -ng.
Example: halaman (plant) + mura (cheap) = halamang mura.

2. The 'na' Word (Consonants)
If a word ends in a consonant (except 'n'), use na as a separate word.
Example: bahay (house) + malaki (big) = bahay na malaki.

3. Word Order Flexibility
Filipino is flexible. You can use Noun + Linker + Adjective or Adjective + Linker + Noun with no change in meaning. The linker rules always apply to whichever word comes first.
Example: malaking bahay (big house) vs. bahay na malaki (house that is big).

Note on Glottal Stops: In modern standard Filipino, words ending in a vowel with a glottal stop (like pusò or batà) follow the vowel rule and take -ng. This linker is also used to introduce a relative clause.

Examples (5)

  1. Mabuting tao si Juan.

    Juan is a good person.

    Word by Word: Good-(linker) person (marker) Juan.

    Here, the adjective 'mabuti' ends in a vowel, so '-ng' is attached to link it to 'tao'.

  2. Mayroon akong asul na kotse.

    I have a blue car.

    Word by Word: Have I-(linker) blue (linker) car.

    The adjective 'asul' ends in a consonant (l), so the separate word 'na' is used to link it to 'kotse'.

  3. Masarap ang pagkaing niluto ni Nanay.

    The food Mom cooked is delicious.

    Word by Word: Delicious (marker) food-(linker) cooked (marker) Mom.

    The noun 'pagkain' ends in 'n', so the 'n' is replaced by '-ng' to link it to the modifier.

  4. Mainit na kape ang gusto ko.

    Hot coffee is what I want.

    Word by Word: Hot (linker) coffee (marker) want I.

    Since 'mainit' ends in 't', we use 'na' to connect it to 'kape'.

  5. Nakakita siya ng maliit na ibon.

    He/She saw a small bird.

    Word by Word: Saw he/she (marker) small (linker) bird.

    The adjective 'maliit' ends in a consonant, requiring 'na'.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the linker entirely (English influence).

    malaki bahay
    malaking bahay

    In English, we say 'big house' with no connector. In Filipino, you must use the linker to show the relationship between the words.

  • Using 'na' after a vowel.

    babae na maganda
    babaeng maganda

    If the preceding word ends in a vowel, you must use the suffix '-ng' instead of the standalone word 'na'.

  • Confusing the linker '-ng' with the marker 'ng'.

    mabuti ng bata
    mabuting bata

    The marker ng (pronounced 'nang') indicates possession or objects, while the linker '-ng' (pronounced as part of the word) connects modifiers.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Noun + na/-ng + AdjectiveLevel 1Linked Noun and Modifier

Learn This First

To understand how to link a noun with an adjective, you first need to understand the mechanics of the 'na/-ng' linker, which changes form based on the ending of the preceding word.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.