Noun + na/-ng + Clause
Relative Clause Linker
The Relative Clause Linker (na/-ng) acts as a bridge between a noun and a clause that provides more information about it, similar to 'who', 'which', or 'that' in English.
How It Works
The relative clause linker is a fundamental part of Filipino syntax. It is semantically 'empty,' meaning it doesn't change based on gender or number, but it is grammatically essential.
1. Morphological Rules:
- -ng: Attached as a suffix if the noun ends in a vowel (e.g., babae + -ng = babaeng). If the noun ends in 'n', a -g is added to the end, merging to form the -ng sound (e.g., halaman + -g = halamang).
- na: Used as a separate word if the noun ends in a consonant other than 'n' (e.g., hayop na). Note that words ending in the semi-vowels 'w' and 'y' are treated as consonants and require na (e.g., araw na, bahay na).
2. The Role of Verb Focus:
A critical aspect of this pattern is that the verb inside the relative clause must be in the correct focus. The focus must match the role the noun plays within that clause. For example, if the noun is the 'doer' of the action, the verb must be in Actor Focus.
3. Function:
It functions as a relative pronoun (who/that/which), but linguistically it is a linker. It signals that the following information is a description or restriction of the noun it follows.
Examples (4)
- Librong binili ko sa Maynila.
The book that I bought in Manila.
Word by Word: Book-linker bought I in Manila.
Here, 'libro' ends in a vowel, so '-ng' is attached. The verb 'binili' is in object focus because the 'libro' is the object of the buying.
- Ang batang kumakanta ay kapatid ko.
The child who is singing is my sibling.
Word by Word: The child-linker singing is sibling my.
'Bata' ends in a vowel, so '-ng' is attached. The verb 'kumakanta' is in actor focus because the child is the one performing the action.
- Sulat na ipinadala ni Maria.
The letter that was sent by Maria.
Word by Word: Letter linker sent by Maria.
'Sulat' ends in a consonant (t), so the separate word 'na' is used as the linker.
- Ito ang pagkaing niluto ni Nanay.
This is the food that Mom cooked.
Word by Word: This the food-linker cooked by Mom.
'Pagkain' ends in 'n', so it becomes 'pagkaing' (the 'n' is replaced/merged with '-ng').
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong linker form based on the noun's ending.
ang babae na kumakantaang babaeng kumakantaSince 'babae' ends in a vowel, the standard form attaches '-ng' (babaeng) instead of the standalone word 'na'.
Confusing the linker '-ng' with the case marker 'ng'.
babae ng magandababaeng magandaThe linker '-ng' is a suffix attached to the word it modifies. The marker 'ng' (pronounced 'nang') is a separate word used for possession or objects.
Using the wrong verb focus in the relative clause.
ang isda na kumain ang bataang isda na kinain ng bataIf you want to say 'the fish that the child ate,' the verb must be in object focus (kinain) because the fish is the object, not the actor.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand relative clauses in Filipino, you must first be comfortable with the 'na/-ng' linker, which acts as the bridge between the noun and its description. Additionally, because the verb within the clause must agree with the noun it describes, a solid grasp of the focus system (actor vs. object focus) is necessary to ensure the relationship between the noun and the action is clear.
- Choosing The Discourse Center
Understanding focus is essential because the verb inside the relative clause must be conjugated correctly to reflect the role of the noun being described.
Level 2 - Noun + na/-ng + AdjectiveLinked Noun and Modifier
This pattern introduces the basic use of the linker to modify nouns before moving to more complex clausal modification.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- na / -ngThe Linker
This is the core linker used not just for clauses, but also for connecting adjectives and nouns.
Foundations - ang + ClauseHeadless Relative Clause
A 'headless' relative clause where the noun is omitted and the clause itself acts as the noun phrase.
Level 3 - ng / nangNg and Nang
Learners often confuse the linker '-ng' with these two markers due to similar spelling or pronunciation.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- walang + Noun/ClauseWithout / NoLevel 3
- Missing Role In A Relative ClauseLevel 3
- ang bagay na + Object-Focus ClauseThing That Was AffectedLevel 5
- ang katotohanang + ClauseThe Fact ThatLevel 5
- ang panahong + ClauseThe Time WhenLevel 5
- ang posibilidad na/-ngThe Possibility ThatLevel 5
- ang taong + Actor-Focus ClausePerson Who DidLevel 5
- kakayahang + VerbAbility toLevel 5
And 3 more in the full list.
Practice Noun + na/-ng + Clause in Bubblegum
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