isa sa mga
One of the
The phrase isa sa mga translates to "one of the." It is used to pick out a single item or person from a larger set.
How It Works
In Filipino, isa sa mga is the standard way to create a partitive phrase.
1. Structure with Nouns:
The formula is: isa + sa mga + [Plural Noun].
Example: isa sa mga kaibigan (one of the friends).
2. Structure with Pronouns:
When using plural pronouns (e.g., kanila, amin, inyo), you must omit mga. Note that only oblique (Sa-form) pronouns are used after sa.
Example: Isa sa kanila (One of them).
3. Sentence Position:
This phrase can appear in two main ways:
• In a predicate-first structure (more natural): Isa sa mga bata ang kumakanta. (One of the children is singing.)
• In an ay-inversion structure (more formal): Ang isa sa mga bata ay kumakanta.
4. Usage with Adjectives and Superlatives:
Use the linker for modifiers. It is frequently paired with pinaka- to express "one of the most..."
Example: isa sa mga pinakamahal na kotse (one of the most expensive cars).
Examples (4)
- Isa sa mga paborito kong pagkain ay sinigang.
One of my favorite foods is sinigang.
Word by Word: One of the favorite my food is sinigang.
Here, 'isa sa mga' identifies sinigang as one item within the category of 'favorite foods'.
- Siya ay isa sa mga pinakamahusay na guro.
She is one of the best teachers.
Word by Word: She is one of the most-good linker teacher.
This shows the common use of the pattern with a superlative adjective (pinakamahusay).
- Isa sa mga dahilan ng trapik ay ang ulan.
One of the reasons for the traffic is the rain.
Word by Word: One of the reason of traffic is the rain.
The pattern is used here to isolate a single cause from a potential list of many causes.
- Pumili ka ng isa sa mga librong ito.
Choose one of these books.
Word by Word: Choose you of one of the book-linker these.
This demonstrates the pattern used in a command, selecting from a specific group of objects.
Common Mistakes
Using 'mga' before a plural pronoun.
Isa sa mga kanila ang nanalo.Isa sa kanila ang nanalo.While 'mga' is required for nouns, it is ungrammatical to use it before plural pronouns like 'kanila' (them), 'amin' (us), or 'inyo' (you all).
Omitting the plural marker 'mga' with nouns.
Isa sa kaibigan ko siya.Isa sa mga kaibigan ko siya.Without 'mga', the phrase sounds like 'one to my friend' rather than 'one of my friends'. The 'mga' is necessary to show there is a group when using a noun.
Using 'ng' instead of 'sa'.
Isa ng mga bata.Isa sa mga bata.In partitive 'one of' constructions, the oblique marker 'sa' is required to indicate selection from a group.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'isa sa mga' (one of the), you need to know how to use the number 'isa' as a noun, how the marker 'sa' functions to show relationship or location within a set, and how 'mga' pluralizes the following noun to create a group.
- saOblique Marker
The oblique marker 'sa' is used here to indicate the group or set from which one item is being selected.
Level 1 - mgaPlural Marker
The plural marker 'mga' is necessary to define the plural group that follows the partitive 'isa sa'.
Level 1 - Counting Without Agreement
Understanding how numbers function as head nouns or modifiers is essential for using 'isa' (one) in this partitive construction.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- ilanHow Many
Similar to 'isa sa mga' (one of the), 'ilan sa mga' means 'some of the' or 'a few of the'.
Level 1 - bawatEach / Every
While 'isa sa mga' refers to one individual, 'bawat isa' refers to 'each one' of the group.
Level 2 - pinaka- + AdjectiveSuperlative Degree
Often used together to say 'one of the most...' (e.g., isa sa mga pinakamaganda).
Level 1 - na / -ngThe Linker
Required when adding adjectives or modifiers to the noun within the 'isa sa mga' phrase.
Foundations
Words in This Pattern
Practice isa sa mga in Bubblegum
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