mula nang

Since an Event

Level 3

Use mula nang or simula nang to say 'since [an event happened].' It connects a past trigger to a situation that is still true now.

How It Works

The expressions mula nang and simula nang function as temporal subordinators. While mula functions as a root meaning 'origin' or 'source' (and as the preposition 'from'), simula specifically means 'start' or 'beginning'. Both are very common in daily conversation.

1. The Role of 'Nang':
In this pattern, nang acts as a conjunction rather than a linker. It is important to distinguish this from the marker ng; while they sound the same, nang is used for time-related connections. You can build fluency in this distinction by reviewing ng and nang.

2. Adding Emphasis with 'Pa':
In natural speech, the enclitic particle pa is often added for emphasis (e.g., mula pa nang...). This translates to 'ever since' and makes the statement sound more native and emphatic.

3. Verb Forms:
The verb following the subordinator usually appears in one of two forms:

  • Neutral (Infinitive) Form: Very common in modern Filipino. For example: mula nang umalis siya (since he left).
  • Completed Aspect: Emphasizes that the starting event is finished. For example: simula nang nag-aral ako (since I studied).

Note: For -um- verbs, the neutral and completed forms look identical, but for mag- verbs, you can choose between the neutral (mag-) or completed (nag-) forms.

4. Usage Context:
Use this pattern when the 'starting point' is an action or event (e.g., 'since I arrived'). If you are referring to a specific calendar time like 'since Monday', use mula noong instead.

5. Register:
Both mula nang and simula nang are standard. For more formal or literary contexts, you may encounter synonyms like buhat nang or sapul nang.

Examples (4)

  1. Mula nang lumipat siya, bihira kaming magkita.

    Since he moved, we rarely see each other.

    Word by Word: From when move he, rare we(exclusive) see-each-other.

    Here, 'lumipat' (to move) is the starting event that changed the frequency of their meetings.

  2. Tahimik na ang buhay ko mula nang magretiro ako.

    My life has been quiet ever since I retired.

    Word by Word: Quiet already the life my from when retire I.

    The state of 'quiet life' began at the moment of retirement and continues to the present.

  3. Mula nang mauso ang text messaging, marami ang humina sa gramatika.

    Since text messaging became trendy, many have become weak in grammar.

    Word by Word: From when become-trendy the text messaging, many the became-weak in grammar.

    This shows a cause-and-effect relationship over time starting from a specific trend.

  4. Mula nang makilala kita, sumaya ang mundo ko.

    Since I met you, my world became happy.

    Word by Word: From when meet you, became-happy the world my.

    The event 'makilala' (to meet) serves as the temporal anchor for the change in the speaker's state.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the contemplated (future) aspect after 'mula nang'.

    Mula nang darating siya, naging masaya ako.
    Mula nang dumating siya, naging masaya ako.

    Since 'mula nang' refers to a starting point that has already happened, you cannot use a future-facing verb like 'darating' (will arrive).

  • Adding 'sa' between 'mula' and 'nang'.

    Mula sa nang umalis siya...
    Mula nang umalis siya...

    'Mula nang' is a fixed unit for events. 'Mula sa' is only used for physical locations or sources (e.g., 'Mula sa Maynila').

How It Connects

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

mula nangLevel 3Since an Event

Learn This First

To understand 'mula nang', a learner needs to be familiar with the linker system (na/-ng) and how 'mula' indicates a starting point. It also builds upon the use of 'nang' to introduce subordinate time clauses.

Words in This Pattern