tapno

Saying the Purpose

Level 2

Main action + tapno + intended outcome.

How It Works

Tapno introduces a clause describing an intended result. That clause can contain an action predicate or a descriptive predicate: the lessons illustrate both people giving a contribution and something being durable.

Identify the participants in each clause separately. In Agawidak tapno agadalak, “I will go home so that I can study,” both instances of -ak identify the speaker. In Agawidka tapno agadal ni Rosa, “Go home so that Rosa can study,” the addressee goes home and Rosa studies. A shared participant can remain explicitly marked in both clauses.

The English “can” in these translations expresses the intended opportunity; tapno itself does not mark ability. Choose predicate forms for the action or state intended. The supplied passages do not establish one obligatory aspect after this connector. Compare ta, which introduces a reason: a purpose states what someone aims to bring about, while a reason explains why the action is undertaken.

Examples (3)

  1. Agawidak tapno agadalak.

    I will go home so that I can study.

    The speaker performs both actions; studying is the purpose.

  2. Agawidka tapno agadal ni Rosa.

    Go home so that Rosa can study.

    The addressee goes home, and Rosa performs the intended study activity.

  3. Agadalkami tapno nalaingkami nga agsao iti Ilokano.

    We will study so that we can speak Ilocano well.

    Exclusive kami excludes the addressee. The purpose is becoming skilled at speaking Ilocano.