mag-

Tagalog

Prefix

mag-

1. agent trigger: to do something

   Mag-aaral ako.

   I will study.

Usage notes

Mag- vs. um-

• The affix mag- is usually used for verbs which involve an exterior object, whereas um- is used for verbs which don't.

  Nagtanong ako sa guro. = I asked the teacher.

  Umalis na ako. = I already left.

• Mag- is also used for deliberate actions, while um- can be used for involuntary actions.

  Lumalaki ang bata. = The child grew.

• Some words can also change meaning if either one of them is used.

  Root word: alis = to go

  mag-alis = to remove

  umalis = to leave

  Root word: sakay = riding

  magsakay = to load

  sumakay = to ride

See also

► Tagalog words prefixed with mag-