hinggil sa
Regarding
Hinggil sa is a formal way to say 'about' or 'regarding.' It is primarily used in academic, legal, and journalistic contexts to introduce a subject matter.
How It Works
Hinggil sa functions as a subject matter prepositional phrase. It is composed of the root hinggil (meaning purpose or aim) and the oblique marker sa. It is often used interchangeably with ukol sa in formal contexts.
1. Usage with Nouns:
For common nouns, use hinggil sa (singular) or hinggil sa mga (plural).
Example: hinggil sa batas (regarding the law).
2. Usage with People:
When the subject matter is a specific person, the marker changes to the personal oblique form: hinggil kay (singular) or hinggil kina (plural).
Example: hinggil kay Dr. Jose Rizal (concerning Dr. Jose Rizal).
3. Register and Context:
This pattern is rarely heard in casual conversation. If you use it while chatting with friends, it may sound overly stiff or academic. However, it is the standard choice for:
- News headlines and reports
- Government memorandums
- Academic papers and formal debates
- Legal documents
Examples (4)
- Naglabas ang kagawaran ng memorandum hinggil sa bagong kurikulum.
The department released a memorandum regarding the new curriculum.
Word by Word: Released the department a memorandum regarding the new curriculum.
Here, 'hinggil sa' introduces the specific subject of an official government document.
- Ang talakayan ay hinggil sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating kalikasan.
The discussion is concerning the issues facing our environment.
Word by Word: The discussion is regarding the plural issues facing of our environment.
This uses 'hinggil sa mga' to refer to multiple issues in a formal discussion context.
- Wala pa kaming natatanggap na impormasyon hinggil kay G. Santos.
We have not yet received any information regarding Mr. Santos.
Word by Word: None yet we receiving information regarding to Mr. Santos.
Note the use of 'kay' instead of 'sa' because the topic is a specific person.
- Nagbigay siya ng ulat hinggil sa ekonomiya ng bansa.
He gave a report regarding the country's economy.
Word by Word: Gave he a report regarding the economy of country.
In professional settings, 'hinggil sa' is preferred over 'tungkol sa' for reports.
Common Mistakes
Using 'hinggil sa' in casual, everyday conversation.
Mag-usap tayo hinggil sa lunch natin.Mag-usap tayo tungkol sa lunch natin.Using 'hinggil sa' for mundane topics like lunch sounds unnaturally stiff. Use 'tungkol sa' for casual topics.
Using 'sa' before a personal name.
Ang balita ay hinggil sa Juan.Ang balita ay hinggil kay Juan.When the sentence names a person, use the personal marker 'kay' (or 'kina' for several people) instead of 'sa'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
'Hinggil sa' is a formal preposition used to introduce a topic or subject matter. To understand it, a learner must be familiar with the basic oblique marker 'sa' and how it functions in compound prepositional phrases to link nouns to the rest of the sentence.
- para saFor / Intended for
Understanding how 'sa' combines with other words to form specific prepositions like 'para sa' (for) provides the structural foundation for 'hinggil sa' (regarding).
Level 2 - dahil saBecause of
Like 'dahil sa', 'hinggil sa' is a formal prepositional phrase that links a topic to a noun or phrase using the 'sa' marker.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- saOblique Marker
The base oblique marker used within the 'hinggil sa' construction.
Level 1 - kayOblique Personal Marker
The personal oblique marker used with 'hinggil' when the topic is a specific person.
Level 1 - ukol saConcerning / Intended for
A similar formal preposition that often implies 'intended for' or 'pertaining to' a specific purpose.
Level 4 - alinsunod saIn Accordance with
Another formal preposition meaning 'in accordance with,' often used in legal contexts alongside 'hinggil sa'.
Level 4 - ayon kay / ayon saAccording to a Person or Source
Used to attribute information to a source ('according to'), whereas 'hinggil sa' introduces the topic itself.
Level 5 - Register Choice
Understanding register is key to knowing when to choose 'hinggil sa' over 'tungkol sa'.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice hinggil sa in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Filipino lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
