The English word ‘by’ might seem simple, but its usage in different contexts reveals a wide range of meanings. When translated into Tagalog or used within a Tagalog sentence, the word ‘by’ can be expressed in several ways, depending on whether it indicates agency, location, time, manner, or means. Understanding how to properly use ‘by’ in a Tagalog sentence is important for learners of both English and Filipino, as it helps in accurately conveying relationships between actions, people, objects, and time.
Understanding the English Word ‘By’
‘By’ is a preposition that is used in various ways. It can indicate:
- Agency– who performed the action (e.g., The book was written by Jose Rizal.)
- Proximity– location near something (e.g., She sat by the window.)
- Time– a deadline (e.g., Finish the report by Friday.)
- Means or method– how something is done (e.g., Travel by car.)
Each of these meanings has different translations and implications when used in a Tagalog sentence. Let’s explore how to use ‘by’ in various sentence constructions and how it translates depending on its usage.
Using ‘By’ to Show Agency
When ‘by’ is used to show who did something, the equivalent in Tagalog is often the word‘ng’or‘ni’, depending on the context. Here are some examples:
Examples:
- The song was composed by Ryan Cayabyab.
Ang kanta ay kinompose ni Ryan Cayabyab. - The story was written by a student.
Ang kwento ay isinulat ng isang estudyante.
In passive sentences, the performer of the action is usually placed after the verb, and ‘by’ is translated as ‘ni’ if it is followed by a proper noun, or ‘ng’ if followed by a common noun or pronoun.
Using ‘By’ to Show Proximity or Location
When indicating location or proximity, ‘by’ can be translated into Tagalog as‘sa tabi ng’or‘malapit sa’.
Examples:
- The house is by the river.
Ang bahay ay nasa tabi ng ilog. - He stood by the door.
Nakatayo siya sa tabi ng pintuan.
In these cases, ‘by’ implies nearness or being adjacent to something. Tagalog uses spatial terms to describe this relationship clearly.
Using ‘By’ to Indicate Time or Deadline
‘By’ can also indicate a specific time something must be completed or done. In Tagalog, this is often translated as‘bago ang’or‘sa [oras/petsa]’.
Examples:
- We need to leave by 5 PM.
Kailangan nating umalis bago ang alas-singko ng hapon. - Submit your assignment by Monday.
Ipasa ang iyong takdang-aralin bago ang Lunes.
The phrase ‘bago ang’ (before the) is commonly used to express deadlines and is the most natural Tagalog translation for time-related uses of ‘by.’
Using ‘By’ to Indicate Means or Method
In English, ‘by’ can describe how something is done. This includes modes of transportation, communication, and more. In Tagalog, the word ‘sa pamamagitan ng’ is often used, but it’s also common to use direct phrases like ‘sakay ng’ or ‘gamit ang.’
Examples:
- He traveled by bus.
Siya ay bumiyahe sakay ng bus. - The message was sent by email.
Ang mensahe ay ipinadala sa pamamagitan ng email. - They entered by breaking the window.
Pumasok sila sa pamamagitan ng pagbasag ng bintana.
While ‘sa pamamagitan ng’ is more formal, native speakers often simplify it in casual conversation by directly using the noun or action associated with the method.
Different Contexts, Different Translations
The versatility of ‘by’ means its translation in Tagalog is not fixed. It varies depending on the sentence type. Understanding the sentence structure helps in choosing the most accurate Tagalog equivalent.
Summary Table of ‘By’ Usage in Tagalog
| Usage | Meaning | Tagalog Equivalent | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency | Who did it | ni / ng | IsinulatniJose Rizal |
| Proximity | Near something | sa tabi ng / malapit sa | Sa tabi ng ilog |
| Time | Deadline | bago ang | Bago ang alas-diyes |
| Means | How it’s done | sa pamamagitan ng | Sa pamamagitan ng telepono |
Common Mistakes When Translating ‘By’
Beginners sometimes use a literal translation and misunderstand the context. For example, translating ‘by car’ as ‘ng kotse’ is incorrect; the proper usage would be ‘sakay ng kotse’ or ‘gumamit ng kotse.’
Another frequent error is confusing the agent marker ‘ng’ with ‘nang’ in Tagalog. Though they sound similar, they serve different grammatical purposes.
Practice Using ‘By’ in Tagalog Sentences
To better understand the usage, here are more practice sentences with both English and Tagalog translations:
- The poem was written by a young child.
Ang tula ay isinulat ng isang batang maliit. - We met by chance.
Nagkita kami sa pamamagitan ng pagkakataon. - The store is by the church.
Ang tindahan ay nasa tabi ng simbahan. - You should finish the work by tomorrow.
Dapat mong tapusin ang trabaho bago ang bukas.
Mastering the Use of ‘By’ in Tagalog
The English preposition ‘by’ has various functions, and translating it into a Tagalog sentence depends on the intended meaning whether you’re referring to the doer, time, place, or method. Being aware of context is essential to avoid confusion. As with learning any language, consistent exposure and practice will deepen your understanding. Try constructing your own sentences and see how the word ‘by’ transforms depending on how it’s used.