When learning a new language, translating simple question words can be surprisingly tricky. One such expression is ‘by whom’ in English, which is commonly used in passive voice questions to identify the agent or person responsible for an action. For Filipino language learners or English speakers learning Tagalog, understanding how to say ‘by whom’ in Tagalog correctly is essential for forming complete and grammatically sound sentences. This topic explores its meaning, context, usage, and examples to help you speak and understand Tagalog more fluently.
Understanding the Phrase ‘By Whom’
In English, ‘by whom’ is a formal way of asking who performed an action, particularly in the passive voice. For example, By whom was the book written? Here, the question seeks to know who wrote the book, without putting the subject first. This structure is formal and typically found in written or academic English.
Translation of ‘By Whom’ in Tagalog
In Tagalog, translating by whom depends largely on the sentence structure and the formality of the situation. The most direct translation of by whom iskaninoor more specifically,sino ang gumawadepending on the context.
- Kanino Literally translates to to whom or by whom, used in certain contexts such as ownership or responsibility.
- Sino ang gumawa Translates as who did it and is more commonly used in conversational Tagalog when referring to actions.
Using ‘By Whom’ in Tagalog Sentences
Since Tagalog uses a different sentence structure than English, the passive voice is not always constructed in the same way. Here are a few examples to illustrate how by whom translates and functions in everyday Tagalog:
Examples with ‘Kanino’
English: By whom was the letter written?
Tagalog: Kanino isinulat ang liham?
In this case, ‘kanino’ is used to ask who is responsible for writing the letter, keeping the passive voice structure intact.
English: By whom was the house built?
Tagalog: Kanino itinayo ang bahay?
Again, kanino fits when asking who performed the action in a passive way.
Examples with Sino ang gumawa
Sometimes, it’s more natural to use an active construction in Tagalog. For example:
English: By whom was the project completed?
Tagalog: Sino ang gumawa ng proyekto?
This construction feels more conversational and is commonly used in spoken Tagalog, especially in informal situations.
Choosing the Right Phrase: Kanino vs. Sino
It’s important to choose between kanino and sino ang gumawa based on the context. Usekaninoif you’re maintaining a passive tone or when referring to something that has been donetosomething else (such as a house being built). Usesino ang gumawawhen you’re comfortable shifting to an active sentence form and want to be more direct and casual.
Passive vs. Active Voice in Tagalog
Tagalog grammar naturally leans toward the use of active voice in casual conversations. The language does allow passive constructions, but they often appear more in formal settings or written texts. That’s why many Tagalog speakers tend to reframe passive questions into active ones for everyday usage.
Using By Whom in Tagalog Questions
To master asking questions using by whom in Tagalog, it’s helpful to look at several grammatical forms:
- Object-focused sentences: Kanino ipinadala ang sulat? (By whom was the letter sent?)
- Actor-focused sentences: Sino ang nagpadala ng sulat? (Who sent the letter?)
- Formal tone: Kanino nanggaling ang ideya? (By whom did the idea come?)
- Informal tone: Sino’ng nag-isip ng ideya? (Who thought of the idea?)
Notice how the choice of words and structure changes based on tone and context. Being flexible with both forms will help you sound more fluent and natural in Tagalog.
Common Mistakes When Translating By Whom
Many beginners make errors when trying to translate by whom literally into Tagalog. A frequent mistake is using ng sino which is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used by native speakers. Instead, always opt for the correct structure of kanino or reframe the sentence using sino ang gumawa.
Tips to Avoid Errors
- Don’t translate word-for-word; think in Tagalog structure.
- Know when to switch from passive to active for clarity.
- Practice listening to native speakers to hear the natural usage.
Learning By Whom in Everyday Use
One of the best ways to internalize the usage of by whom in Tagalog is through real-life practice and immersion. Watch Filipino TV shows, listen to conversations, and pay attention to how questions are asked. Native speakers often use contextual clues rather than rigid grammatical rules to form these questions naturally.
Practice Sentences
- Kanino ipinasa ang ulat? (By whom was the report submitted?)
- Sino ang gumawa ng plano? (Who made the plan?)
- Kanino iniwan ang bata? (By whom was the child left?)
- Sino ang nagbukas ng pintuan? (Who opened the door?)
Regularly practicing with examples like these helps develop your ear and confidence in speaking Tagalog.
Understanding ‘By Whom’ in Tagalog
Grasping the correct way to say by whom in Tagalog is a valuable skill for learners aiming for fluency. Whether you choose the passive tone with kanino or the more direct sino ang gumawa, understanding the grammar, tone, and natural usage of the language is essential. Remember, Tagalog is highly contextual, and shifting between passive and active voice is common depending on the formality of the setting. With enough practice, using by whom in Tagalog will become second nature, helping you communicate more clearly and confidently in a variety of situations.