na / -ng
The Linker
The linker (na / -ng) is a mandatory particle in Filipino that binds a description to a noun or a verb. Think of it as the 'connective tissue' of a sentence.
How It Works
The linker is one of the most important features of Filipino grammar. Its primary job is to connect a modifier to the word it modifies.
1. When to use it:
You use the linker whenever you are describing something or specifying quantity. This includes:
- Adjectives: mabait na bata
- Numbers: dalawang mansanas
- Demonstratives: itong libro
- Relative clauses: ang librong binili ko
2. The three spelling rules:
The linker changes its shape based on the final sound of the preceding word:
- -ng: Attached to words ending in a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or a glottal stop. For example, maganda becomes magandang.
- Change n to ng: If a word ends in the letter n, the 'n' is replaced by 'ng'. For example, dahon becomes dahong.
- na: A separate word used if the preceding word ends in a consonant (except n). For example, mainit na kape.
3. Important Distinction:
Do not confuse the linker with nang. While they sound similar, nang is a separate marker used for adverbs of manner and time, whereas na/-ng is the ligature used for adjectives and nouns.
Examples (6)
- mabait na bata
kind child
Word by Word: kind [linker] child
Since 'mabait' ends in a consonant (t), the standalone 'na' is used.
- magandang bahay
beautiful house
Word by Word: beautiful-[linker] house
Since 'maganda' ends in a vowel (a), the '-ng' is attached directly to the word.
- dahong tuyo
dry leaf
Word by Word: leaf-[linker] dry
For words ending in 'n' like 'dahon', the 'n' is replaced by 'ng' to link the words.
- dalawang mansanas
two apples
Word by Word: two-[linker] apples
The linker is mandatory when using numbers to count objects.
- itong libro
this book
Word by Word: this-[linker] book
Demonstrative pronouns like ito use the linker to connect to the noun they point to.
- bagong kotse
new car
Word by Word: new-[linker] car
Words ending in a glottal stop (like 'bago' when pronounced with a final catch) also take the '-ng' suffix.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the linker entirely (English-style).
malaki bahaymalaking bahayIn English, you can put an adjective before a noun directly. In Filipino, this sounds like 'broken' speech. You must use the linker to connect them.
Thinking the adjective must come before the noun.
Uminom ng tubig na malamig.Uminom ng malamig na tubig.Both orders are correct: 'malamig na tubig' and 'tubig na malamig'. The linker 'na' (or -ng) joins the two words in either order. The object marker 'ng' is a different word: it comes before the whole phrase ('Uminom ng malamig na tubig').
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- Noun + na/-ng + AdjectiveLinked Noun and Modifier
This pattern shows the specific rules for linking a noun to a following adjective.
Level 1 - Adjective + na/-ng + NounModifier Before a Noun
This pattern explains the most common way to use the linker when the description comes first.
Level 1 - Noun + na/-ng + ClauseRelative Clause Linker
The linker is also used to connect entire descriptive phrases (relative clauses) to a noun.
Level 3 - ng / nangNg and Nang
It is important to distinguish the linker '-ng' from the marker 'ng' and the adverbial marker 'nang'.
Level 4 - Counting Without Agreement
Numbers require the linker to connect to the noun being counted.
Level 1 - itoThis Near Me
Demonstratives often attach the linker '-ng' when followed by a noun.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- ganito / ganyan / ganoonLike This or ThatLevel 1
- gustoWant or LikeLevel 1
- kailanganNeed or MustLevel 1
- mayroonThere Is / Has with an Independent FormLevel 1
- walaThere Is None or Does Not HaveLevel 1
- bawatEach / EveryLevel 2
- lahatAll / EverythingLevel 2
- Infinitive Or Command FormLevel 2
And 24 more in the full list.
Practice na / -ng in Bubblegum
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