di- + Adjective

Un- / Non-

Level 4

The prefix di- is attached to adjectives or nouns to create a new word that represents the absence or opposite of a quality. It is primarily used in formal, academic, or literary contexts.

How It Works

The di- prefix functions as a morphological tool to create lexicalized negative descriptors.

1. Formal Register: Unlike the colloquial contraction 'di (which is just a shortcut for hindi), the hyphenated di- is the standard for formal writing, legal documents, and news. In casual speech, Filipinos usually prefer saying hindi pormal or 'di pormal, but in a report, they would write di-pormal. Note that while di- is formal, hindi remains the more natural choice for many adjectives; using di- with every adjective can sound forced.

2. Hyphenation and Phonetics: According to the Ortograpiyang Pambansa, a hyphen is mandatory between the prefix and the base word. This hyphen serves two purposes: it distinguishes the prefix from the particle 'di, and it signals a glottal stop (impit na tunog) only when the root word begins with a vowel (e.g., di-inaasahan). For consonant-initial roots (e.g., di-pormal), the hyphen is strictly an orthographic rule and does not change the pronunciation of the consonant.

3. Usage with Different Bases:

  • With Adjectives: Negates the quality. It is frequently paired with ma- adjectives (e.g., di-mahalaga - unimportant; di-makatarungan - unjust).
  • With Nouns: Creates an adjective meaning 'not like [noun]' (e.g., di-tao - inhuman).
  • With Verbal Roots: Creates complex descriptors (e.g., di-matatawaran - inestimable).

4. Contrast with 'de-': Do not confuse di- with the Spanish-derived de- prefix. While di- is strictly for negation, de- indicates a quality, method, or status (e.g., de-kalidad - high quality; de-kuryente - electric).

Examples (4)

  1. Ang hatol ng hukom ay itinuturing na di-makatarungan.

    The judge's verdict is considered unjust.

    Word by Word: The judgment of judge is considered as un-just.

    Here, 'di-makatarungan' acts as a single formal adjective meaning 'unjust'.

  2. Nagsuot siya ng di-pormal na kasuotan sa pagtitipon.

    He wore informal attire to the gathering.

    Word by Word: Wore he of un-formal linker attire at gathering.

    In this context, 'di-pormal' is the specific term for 'informal' rather than just saying it wasn't formal.

  3. Maraming di-kilalang bayani ang nag-alay ng buhay para sa bayan.

    Many unknown heroes offered their lives for the nation.

    Word by Word: Many un-known heroes [focus marker] offered of life for to nation.

    The prefix 'di-' is attached to the root 'kilala' (known) to form 'unknown'.

  4. Ang kaniyang kilos ay tila di-tao.

    His actions seem inhuman.

    Word by Word: The his action is seems un-human.

    Using 'di-' with the noun 'tao' (human) creates an adjective describing something that lacks human qualities.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the mandatory hyphen.

    Ang desisyon ay dimakatarungan.
    Ang desisyon ay di-makatarungan.

    In standard Filipino orthography, the prefix 'di-' must always be separated from the base word by a hyphen.

  • Using di- as a prefix for active verbs.

    Siya ay di-kumain ng hapunan.
    Siya ay hindi kumain ng hapunan.

    The prefix 'di-' is for forming adjectives. To negate a verb's action, use the separate word 'hindi' or the contraction ''di'.

How It Connects

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

di- + AdjectiveLevel 4Un- / Non-

Learn This First

To understand 'di- + adjective', a learner must first be familiar with the general negator 'hindi', as 'di-' is its formal/contracted prefix form. Additionally, knowledge of how Filipino uses affixes to create new word meanings and the ability to use adjectives as predicates without a copula (verb 'to be') are foundational for using this pattern correctly in sentences.

Words in This Pattern

di-