daw / raw

In Filipino, daw and raw function as reportative markers or quotative particles. By using them, you signal that you are not the original source of the information, indicating hearsay or that you are quoting someone else. This also applies to non-human sources of information, such as the news, weather forecasts, or written rules. This can also be used to express skepticism or doubt about the information being shared. They also frequently act as the English verb 'said' when quoting a subject directly without using the word sabi (e.g., Aalis daw siya often translates to 'He said he is leaving').

Spelling / Orthographic Rules:
According to the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), the alternation between daw and raw is an optional stylistic choice for euphony (smoothness of sound), not a strict grammatical rule. You can use daw anywhere, even in formal writing, but many writers prefer the following guidelines for better flow:

• Use raw if the preceding word ends in a vowel letter (a, e, i, o, u) or a semivowel (w, y). Example: Bahay raw (They say it's a house), Hindi raw (They say no).
• Use daw if the preceding word ends in a consonant (except w and y). Example: Aalis daw (They say they are leaving).
• The 'R' Exception: If the final syllable of the preceding word begins with an 'r' (e.g., mura, araw, aray), daw is preferred instead of raw to avoid a repetitive 'r' sound (e.g., Mura daw, Araw daw).

Placement:
As an enclitic, it usually follows the first word of the sentence. While it cannot start a standard sentence, it can be used as a standalone question (e.g., Daw?) in casual speech. If there is a monosyllabic pronoun like ko, mo, or ka, these short pronouns must always come before daw or raw (e.g., Sabi mo raw - They say you said...). However, daw or raw must come before disyllabic pronouns like ako, niya, siya, nila, kami, or tayo (e.g., Sabi raw niya - They say he/she said..., instead of Sabi niya raw; Aalis daw sila - They say they are leaving.). The order follows specific enclitic rules. Note: While prescriptively incorrect, learners will frequently hear phrases like 'Sabi niya raw' in casual conversation.

Particle Stacking:
When combining multiple particles, daw/raw comes after one-syllable particles like na, pa, nga, din/rin, and lang. For example: Wala na raw (They say there is no more). However, it comes before particles like po/ho and ba. For example: Totoo raw po ba? (Did they say if it is true, sir/ma'am?).

Standalone Use:
It can also be used on its own or with ano to ask for repetition. Saying Daw? or Ano raw? translates to "What did they say?" or "Come again?".