parang

Seems / Like

Level 3

Use parang to describe how something feels, looks, or sounds without stating it as a hard fact. It is the go-to word for 'it seems' or 'like' in casual conversation.

How It Works

In everyday Filipino, parang is one of the most frequent words because it covers several functions:

  • Subjective Impression: When you aren't 100% sure but have a feeling. For example, Parang uulan (It seems like it will rain).
  • Informal Comparison: Comparing one thing to another. For example, Parang anghel ang boses niya (Her voice is like an angel's).
  • Softening Statements: To avoid sounding too direct or rude. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' a Filipino might say Parang mali ka (It seems you are wrong).
  • Filler Word: In conversational Filipino, it is frequently used as a filler or discourse marker, similar to 'like' or 'sort of' in English, to give the speaker time to think.

Grammar Note: The word parang is a combination of the root para (like/as) and the linker -ng. When used with Ang-form clitic pronouns, the pronoun is placed immediately after the root para, and the linker -ng attaches to the end of that pronoun (e.g., para + siya + -ng = para siyang...).

Note on Homonyms: Be aware that parang can also be a noun meaning 'field' or 'meadow,' though the context usually makes the meaning clear.

Examples (5)

  1. Parang pagod ka ngayon.

    You seem tired today.

    Word by Word: Seems tired you today.

    Here, 'parang' is used to express an observation about the person's state without being definitive.

  2. Parang aso siya kung kumain.

    He/she eats like a dog.

    Word by Word: Like dog he/she when eat.

    This demonstrates a comparison. Note that 'siya' (he/she) follows the noun being compared to.

  3. Parang narinig ko na ang kwentong 'yan.

    I feel like I've heard that story before.

    Word by Word: Seems heard I already the story that.

    In this case, 'parang' expresses a vague memory or intuition.

  4. Parang uulan yata mamaya.

    It seems like it might rain later.

    Word by Word: Seems will-rain maybe later.

    Combining 'parang' with the particle yata adds an extra layer of uncertainty.

  5. Para siyang bata kung maglaro.

    He/she is like a child when playing.

    Word by Word: Like he/she-linker child when play.

    When a pronoun is involved in the comparison, the linker '-ng' often moves from 'para' to the pronoun ('siya' + '-ng').

Common Mistakes

  • Adding an extra linker after 'parang'.

    Parang na pagod siya.
    Parang pagod siya.

    The word 'parang' already contains the linker '-ng'. Adding 'na' or another '-ng' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

  • Confusing 'parang' with 'gusto' for the English word 'like'.

    Parang ko ang kape.
    Gusto ko ang kape.

    In English, 'like' can mean 'similar to' or 'to enjoy.' In Filipino, 'parang' is only for similarity/seeming, while gusto is for preference or wanting.

How It Connects

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parangLevel 3Seems / Like

Learn This First

To use 'parang' effectively, you need to understand how Filipino structures basic sentences without a copula (the 'is' verb). It also helps to be familiar with other markers of appearance like 'mukhang' and how the linker connects ideas, as 'parang' often introduces a descriptive phrase or a comparison.

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parang