sarili + Pronoun

Self / Own

Level 5

The word sarili is the primary way to express reflexivity (myself, yourself, etc.) and personal ownership (my own, your own) in Filipino. It always pairs with Genitive (NG-group) pronouns like ko, mo, or niya.

How It Works

To use this pattern correctly, you must follow these rules:

1. Pronoun Choice
Always use the Genitive (NG) pronouns (ko, mo, niya, natin, namin, ninyo, nila). Never use the Ang-group (ako, ka, siya).
Example: sarili ko (myself), NOT sarili ako.

2. Case Markers
The marker before sarili depends on the verb's focus:

  • Use ang if the 'self' is the focus (common with Patient Focus verbs).
  • Use sa for 'to/for/in oneself'.
  • Use ng if the 'self' is a non-focused object.

3. The Linker Rule
When sarili means 'own' and modifies a noun, you must use the linker.
Example: sariling bahay (own house).
However, do not use a linker between sarili and the pronoun. It is sarili ko, never sariling ko.

4. Sarili vs. Mismo
While English uses '-self' for both, Filipino distinguishes them. Use sarili for the object of an action. Use mismo to intensify the subject (e.g., 'I myself did it').

Examples (5)

  1. Mahalin mo ang sarili mo.

    Love yourself.

    Word by Word: Love you the self your.

    Here, 'sarili mo' is the object of the command. 'Ang' is used because it is the focus of the sentence.

  2. Bumili siya ng sariling sasakyan.

    He bought his own vehicle.

    Word by Word: Bought he of own-linker vehicle.

    When 'sarili' means 'own' and modifies a noun (sasakyan), the linker -ng is attached to 'sarili'.

  3. Nagsasalita siya sa sarili niya.

    She is talking to herself.

    Word by Word: Talking she to self her.

    The marker 'sa' is used here to indicate the direction of the action (to herself).

  4. Huwag mong sisihin ang sarili mo.

    Don't blame yourself.

    Word by Word: Don't you blame the self your.

    A common reflexive use with a negative command ('huwag').

  5. Gusto ko ng sarili kong silid.

    I want my own room.

    Word by Word: Want I of own my-linker room.

    Note that the linker -ng moves to the pronoun 'ko' because the pronoun follows 'sarili' but precedes the noun 'silid'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong pronoun group (Ang-group instead of Ng-group).

    Nakita ko ang sarili ako sa salamin.
    Nakita ko ang sarili ko sa salamin.

    'Sarili' must always be followed by the genitive (possessive) form of the pronoun, even if it translates to 'me' or 'I' in English reflexives.

  • Adding a linker between 'sarili' and the pronoun.

    Ito ang sariling ko gamit.
    Ito ang sarili kong gamit.

    The linker should never come between 'sarili' and the pronoun. If a noun follows, the linker attaches to the pronoun (sarili ko + ng = sarili kong).

  • Confusing 'sarili' (reflexive) with 'mismo' (intensive).

    Ginawa ko ang sarili.
    Ako mismo ang gumawa nito.

    If you mean 'I myself did it' (emphasis on the actor), use 'mismo'. 'Sarili' implies you did the action TO yourself.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

sarili + PronounLevel 5Self / Own

Learn This First

To understand 'sarili + pronoun' (e.g., 'sarili ko'), a learner must first be familiar with the genitive pronoun set and the basic rules of possession in Filipino, where the possessor follows the noun being possessed.

Words in This Pattern