maka- / naka-

Being Able to Do Something

Level 3

Use maka- with an attested base for ability and naka- for its completed successful-action counterpart.

How It Works

With suitable bases, maka- expresses ability: makabasa ‘can read’, makadait ‘can sew’, and makapagna ‘can walk’. The actor takes subject pronouns, joined to their hosts in current spelling, as in makapagnakami. The prefix has no gender agreement. An object can follow with oblique marking.

Naka- can report that an actor managed to act. Compare makadait ‘can sew’ and nakadait ‘was able to sew’. Contrast makabasaak iti libro ‘I can read a book’ with mabasak ti libro ‘I can read the book’: their central participants differ.

Reduplication needs its own interpretation: the lessons teach reduplicated maka- forms expressing an urge or desire. They also attest adjective-like naka- formations for clothing and appearance. Consequently, these initial letters alone do not establish completed ability.

Examples (3)

  1. Makabasa ni Tomas iti Ilokano.

    Tomas can read Ilocano.

    The clause states the central actor’s capacity.

  2. Nakadait ni Elena iti pantalon idi rabii.

    Elena was able to sew a pair of trousers last night.

    Naka- reports accomplished sewing; the trousers are an oblique participant.

  3. Makapagnakami inton bigat.

    We, excluding you, will be able to walk tomorrow.

    Attached kami identifies the actor group; the time phrase places the ability in the future.