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Why do some words have "pag" or "pa" in front of them?
magmahal - love
nagmahal - loved
nagmamahal - loving
magmamahal - will love
Okay, I understand those. Why though are there words like "pagmamahal" and "mapagmahal"?
Mar 18, 2012 7:13 PM
Answers · 3
2
I'm not a native tagalog speaker, but I know enough to answer your question.
Pag is a prefix that basically turns a verb into a noun. For example, Pagmamahal is translated as "loving or love". It is not used as an adjective though, i.e. it does not mean "her loving arms". It is used as a noun. For example, "her love of flowers". Actually, for love, it is better to use ibig, as in pag-ibig. Mahal can also mean expensive so some confusion can occur if used as pagmamahal.
Magpa is a prefix that indicates the habit of doing something. But be flexible with the interpretation. Mapagmahal means the habit of loving, which really means a loving disposition. Mapagbigay means the habit of giving, which is translated as generous.
March 19, 2012
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