ANG Personal Pronouns: Kamí and Tayo (We)
Unlike in English, there are two words used for the personal pronoun "we" in the Filipino language, kamí and tayo.
Both of these words mean "we", but have distinct uses because of the different focus of subjects.
Keep In Mind:
The word "mga" is added before a noun to show the plurality.
Kamí: Exclusive "We"
Kamí includes yourself and one or more other people, but excludes the person you are speaking to.
See how the pronoun kamí is used in sentences:
Examples:
Scenario: Jane and Joe speaking to John.
We are Jane and Joe.
We are Jane and Joe.
Kamí ay siná Jane at Joe.
Kamí'y siná Jane at Joe.
Scenario: Filipinos speaking to an American
We are Filipinos.
We are Filipinos.
Kamì ay mga Pilipino.
Kamí'y mga Pilipino.
Scenario: Filipinos meeting another person for the first time.
We are pleased to meet you.
We are pleased to meet you.
Kamí ay na ka.
Kamí'y na ka.
Scenario: Two friends talking to another friend passing by.
We are eating.
We are eating.
Kumakain kamí.
Scenario: A married couple speaking to their friends.
We are happy.
We are happy.
Masayá kamí.
Tayo: Inclusive "We"
Tayo, on the other hand, includes yourself and other people, as well as the person or people you are speaking to.
Examples:
We are Filipinos. (referring to all people in the discussion)
Tayo ay mga Pilipino.
Tayo’y mga Pilipino.
Tayo’y mga Pilipino.
We are friends. (referring to all people in the discussion)
Tayo ay magkaibigan.
Tayo’y magkaibigan.
Tayo’y magkaibigan.
We are smart. (referring to all people in the discussion)
Matalino tayo.
We are fast. (referring to all people in the discussion)
Mabilís tayo.
