When counting in Tagalog, "isa" means "one." It's the most basic way to express the number one, just like in English. You'll use it when you're simply stating a quantity of one. For example, if you have one apple, you would say "isang mansanas." Notice the "-ng" suffix attached to "isa" when it modifies a noun. This is a common linguistic feature in Tagalog called a linker, which connects words for smoother pronunciation and grammatical flow.
§ Basic Use of 'Isa'
'Isa' means 'one' in Tagalog. It's a fundamental word, so you'll hear and use it a lot. Think of it like the number 'one' in English. It can stand alone or modify a noun.
Isa lang.
- Definition
- Only one.
Isa ka ba sa kanila?
- Definition
- Are you one of them?
§ 'Isa' as a Counter
When counting items, 'isa' is often paired with a linker, usually '-ng' or 'na'. This linker connects 'isa' to the noun it's counting.
May isang aso ako.
- Definition
- I have one dog. (Lit. There is one dog for me.)
Notice how 'isa' becomes 'isang' because it's followed by a noun ('aso').
Kailangan ko ng isang baso ng tubig.
- Definition
- I need one glass of water.
§ 'Isa' with Time Expressions
You can also use 'isa' when talking about time, such as 'one hour' or 'one day'.
Sa isang oras.
- Definition
- In one hour.
Isang araw lang.
- Definition
- Just one day.
§ 'Isa' in Phrases for Unity or Singularity
'Isa' can also be part of phrases to emphasize unity or a singular focus.
- Magkaisa: To unite, to be one.
- Bawat isa: Each one, every single one.
- Isa't isa: Each other, one another.
Dapat tayong magkaisa.
- Definition
- We should unite. (Lit. We should be one.)
Para ito sa bawat isa.
- Definition
- This is for each one.
Mahalin natin ang isa't isa.
- Definition
- Let's love each other.
§ Common Mistakes with 'Isa'
A common mistake is forgetting the linker 'na' or '-ng' when 'isa' modifies a noun. Always remember to connect them!
Another thing to remember is that 'isa' is for counting. If you're referring to an indefinite 'a' or 'an' in English, Tagalog often just implies it or uses context. For example, 'May aso ako' can mean 'I have a dog' or 'I have a dog' depending on context.
§ Prepositions and 'Isa'
While 'isa' itself isn't a preposition, it can be used with prepositions to specify quantity or location in relation to a single item.
- Sa isang: On one/At one (e.g., Sa isang upuan - On one chair)
- Para sa isang: For one (e.g., Para sa isang tao - For one person)
- Mula sa isang: From one (e.g., Mula sa isang kaibigan - From one friend)
Nandoon siya sa isang sulok.
- Definition
- He/She is in one corner.
Understanding 'isa' and its various uses will greatly improve your ability to form basic Tagalog sentences. Keep practicing with different nouns and contexts!
§ Don't confuse 'isa' as a standalone number with 'isa' as a prefix.
Many beginners, and even intermediate learners, sometimes get tripped up by how 'isa' is used in different contexts. While 'isa' directly means 'one' as a count, it can also act as a prefix to form other words. This is where mistakes can happen. It's not about counting something, but rather about creating a new meaning.
- DEFINITION
- Isa: One (as a standalone number)
May isa akong kapatid.
I have one sibling.
- DEFINITION
- Isa + (root word): Often implies 'togetherness' or 'unity'
Nagsama-isa sila.
They became one (or united).
§ Omitting 'ang' or other markers when using 'isa' to specify 'one of' something.
When you want to say 'one of' something, simply putting 'isa' before the noun isn't always correct. You often need a linker or a specific grammatical structure. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers because in English, you can just say 'one apple' or 'one of the apples' without much change to 'one'. In Tagalog, it's a bit more structured.
- Incorrect:
Isa mansanas (One apple)
- Correct:
Isang mansanas (One apple)
The '-ng' (na/ng linker) is crucial here. It connects 'isa' to the noun 'mansanas' (apple). Without it, it sounds unnatural.
Gusto ko ng isang kape.
I want one coffee.
If you're talking about 'one of the...' in a more specific sense, you'll use different constructions:
Isa sa mga libro ay akin.
One of the books is mine.
§ Overusing 'isa' when a simpler expression is available.
Sometimes, English speakers translate too literally. While 'isa' is important, not every instance where you'd use 'a' or 'an' in English directly translates to 'isa' in Tagalog. Tagalog often relies on context to imply a singular item, especially when the item is clearly singular or if the sentence structure already suggests it.
May libro ako.
I have a book.
Here, 'a book' is implied by 'libro' in the context of 'May (There is/are)'. Adding 'isang' wouldn't be wrong, but it's often unnecessary and can sound redundant if the singularity is already clear.
Pakiabot ang baso.
Please pass the glass.
In this case, you wouldn't say 'Pakiabot ang isang baso' unless you specifically want to emphasize 'one glass' out of many. The article 'ang' already denotes a specific item.
रोचक तथ्य
This word is a cognate with 'esa' in Indonesian and Malay, showing shared linguistic roots across Southeast Asia.
व्याकरण पैटर्न
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
Isa (noun) (linking verb) (noun).
Isa itong mansanas. (This is one apple.)
May isa (noun).
May isa akong aso. (I have one dog.)
(Verb) ng isa.
Kumuha ka ng isa. (Get one.)
Isa sa mga (plural noun).
Isa siya sa mga kaibigan ko. (He/She is one of my friends.)
Ang (noun) ay isa.
Ang paborito ko ay isa. (My favorite is one.)
Bilang isa...
Bilang isa, dapat nating gawin ito. (As one, we should do this.)
(Question word) ang isa?
Saan ang isa? (Where is the one?)
Isa lang.
Isa lang ang gusto ko. (I only want one.)
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Proto-Malayo-Polynesian
मूल अर्थ: *isa
Austronesianसांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
When counting, Filipinos often use 'isa, dalawa, tatlo' (one, two, three). 'Isa' can also mean 'a/an' in some contexts, similar to how English uses 'one' as an indefinite article, especially in older or more formal speech. It's a fundamental word you'll encounter constantly.
खुद को परखो 12 सवाल
Write a sentence in Tagalog using 'isa' to say 'I have one book.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ako ay mayroong isang libro.
Translate 'She wants one apple' into Tagalog using 'isa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Gusto niya ng isang mansanas.
Form a Tagalog sentence meaning 'He has one dog' using 'isa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Siya ay may isang aso.
Ilang kapatid na babae ang mayroon si Ben?
Read this passage:
Si Ben ay may isang kapatid na babae. Ang pangalan niya ay Anna. Mahal niya ang kanyang kapatid.
Ilang kapatid na babae ang mayroon si Ben?
The passage states 'Si Ben ay may isang kapatid na babae' which means 'Ben has one sister.'
The passage states 'Si Ben ay may isang kapatid na babae' which means 'Ben has one sister.'
Ano ang binili ng nagsasalita?
Read this passage:
Bumili ako ng isang tinapay kanina. Masarap ito at mainit pa. Kakainin ko ito mamaya.
Ano ang binili ng nagsasalita?
The passage says 'Bumili ako ng isang tinapay kanina' meaning 'I bought one bread earlier.'
The passage says 'Bumili ako ng isang tinapay kanina' meaning 'I bought one bread earlier.'
Ilang ibon ang nasa puno?
Read this passage:
May isang ibon sa puno. Umaawit ito ng maganda. Gusto kong makinig sa awit nito.
Ilang ibon ang nasa puno?
The passage states 'May isang ibon sa puno' which translates to 'There is one bird in the tree.'
The passage states 'May isang ibon sa puno' which translates to 'There is one bird in the tree.'
The word 'pagkakaisa' is derived from 'isa', meaning 'one', and refers to unity. Consider the context of a stable society.
Listen for 'isang', meaning 'one' or 'a single'. The sentence discusses balancing individual rights and the common good.
The speaker mentions 'isa o dalawang', meaning 'one or two'. The sentence is about the complex problem of poverty.
Read this aloud:
Ang pagkakaisa ng mga bansa ay mahalaga para sa pandaigdigang kapayapaan.
Focus: pagkakaisa
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
Sa isang banda, ang kalayaan ay kinakailangan; sa kabilang banda, ang responsibilidad ay di-maihihiwalay.
Focus: isang banda
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Isa sa pinakamahirap na desisyon ay ang pagtalikod sa nakasanayan.
Focus: isa sa
तुमने कहा:
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/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
