As you might have noticed, one verb can have multiple conjugations in Filipino. This is all because of a concept called focus. Pero ano 'yan? The part of a phrase that is in focus is the part you want to put emphasis on. It's basically the subject of the sentence (not to be confused with the subject in English grammar). There are six different focuses:
Today I will discuss the first two.
!! Disclaimer: I'm not a native speaker, so I might make a mistake somewhere. Always feel free to correct me in a polite manner.
The person or thing performing the action is in focus.
Which verb affixes are used for actor focus?
Verb = umiinom (drinking)
Other conjugations: uminom (infinitive), uminom (past), iinom (future)
Naglalakad ako papunta sa park.
Verb = naglalakad (walking)
Preposition = papunta sa (towards)
I am walking to the park.
Other conjugations: maglakad (infinitive), naglakad (past), maglalakad (future)
Verb = nanganak (gave birth)
Other conjugations: manganak (infinitive), nanganganak (present), manganganak (future)
Verb = naligo (took bath)
Object = bahay ko (my house)
I took a bath at my house.
Other conjugations: maligo (infinitive), naliligo (present), maliligo (future)
The object is in focus rather than the person/thing performing the action.
Which verb affixes are used for object focus?
Non-general linker = ang (the)
Object = mansanas (apple)
I ate the apple. (The apple was eaten by me)
Other conjugations: kainin (infinitive), kinakain (present), kakainin (future)
Tatandaan ko ang pangalan mo.
Verb = tatandaan (will remember)
Non-general linker = ang (the)
Object = Pangalan mo (your name)
I will remember your name. (Your name I will remember)
Other conjugations: tandaan (infinitive), tinandaan (past), tinatandaan (present)
Verb = itago (hide/lock away)
Non-general marker = ang (the)
Hide/lock away the candy. (The candy, lock it away)
Other conjugations: itinago (past), itinatago (present), itatago (future)
