Close
 


Question: When an actor-focus verb has both mag and um forms, ar

« Back
Message Menu
Author Photo by: porkandpotatoes Badge: SupporterBadge: Serious SupporterBadge: VIP Supporter
May 07 2023, 7:08pm CST ~ 1 year, 8 mos ago. 
Question: When an actor-focus verb has both mag and um forms, are both options equally valid for all contexts? If not, what factors may affect the choice? I once said "Nagbasa ako ng libro" but was told by a native speaker from Bataan that I should have said "Bumasa ako ng libro." I asked why and they couldn't explain why. Something just reminded me and I thought I'd ask. Hopefully someone can enlighten me!
Reply
 
Message Menu
Author Photo Juantutri Badge: Native Tagalog Speaker
May 08 2023, 2:07am CST ~ 1 year, 8 mos ago. 
@porkandpotatoes
 
When an actor-focus verb has both mag and um forms, are both options equally valid for all contexts?

In general, yes, because "bumasa" and "magbasá" both mean "to read".
 
... what factors may affect the choice?

Regional/local usage and/or personal choice.
 
The response to your saying "nagbasa ako ng libro" in Bataan was based on their regional/local usage there.
 
I was born and raised in Manila as my parents were, too. "Nagbasa ako ng libro" is how we say it here. If I hear someone use "bumasa" instead of "nagbasa" in that sentence, I would think that the person is not a native of Manila or he learned Filipino from someone who hails from another Tagalog or a non-Tagalog region.
 
Although I can consider both words interchangeable, I would use "magbasa" to refer to reading things with words or sentences on them, which we encounter about 99% of the time.
 
On the other hand, I would be inclined to use "bumasa" to mean rudimentary reading, as when a child is just learning to read the letters of the alphabet or about "reading" abstract or conceptual things, e.g., the reading of numeric symbols, tarot cards, and signs/symbols like 🚸💲🚷💈♻️🕘🇺🇸🛑👍🎵... etc.
 
Message Menu
Author Photo porkandpotatoes Badge: SupporterBadge: Serious SupporterBadge: VIP Supporter
May 08 2023, 8:55am CST ~ 1 year, 8 mos ago. 
Wow, salamat po @Juantutri ! That is so fascinating! I really appreciate your insights into how you and other Filipinos select words in Tagalog, and the time you took to explain. There is so much to learn. Have a great day!
 
Message Menu
Author Photo Juantutri Badge: Native Tagalog Speaker
May 11 2023, 9:06pm CST ~ 1 year, 8 mos ago. 
@porkandpotatoes
 
Walang anuman. 🙂
 
Post a Reply»




« Back to Main Page
Views: 174