Close
 


Question: Hi! Can someone explain the difference between 'siya' - Page 2

« Back
12
Message Menu
Author Photo Bituingmaykinang
Jun 14 2020, 11:46am CST ~ 3 years, 10 mos ago. 
I think the comparison between English and Tagalog is not a good idea. "He is soft" and "Malambot siya" don't really have the same "punch" in these languages.
 
"He is soft" (it almost sounds like "he is gay") sounds so horrible even in casual English, but in Tagalog, it just sounds very informal, but won't cause a giggle or confusion unless used in times when formal speech is necessary. It's just part of the evolution of the casual version of the language. Kinda like how "Nakakagalit" is casual, but the proper form is "Nakagagalit".
 
This is what makes Tagalog actually interesting. The casual speech is quite different from the formal speech.
 
I think that Si and Siya in Tagalog is more flexible than the English "equivalents".
 
Message Menu
Author Photo hamilee Badge: Native Tagalog Speaker
Jun 14 2020, 1:26pm CST ~ 3 years, 10 mos ago. 
@Ignatius
True. It is important to know which one is formal and which is informal/ slang so we could use them accordingly. I have heard stories about people who were not accepted in the job they wanted because they failed to use the correct grammar for writing and for formal speaking. True also, that language is evolving continuously. It (Si, Siya) was a serious grammar mistake in the early 90s but it is becoming acceptable now in conversation (informal) because there are a lot of Tagalog speakers who are using them right now. Maybe after 20 years, it will be considered part of the formal way of communicating. Ouch!
 
Message Menu
Author Photo primesgenato
Jun 14 2020, 7:57pm CST ~ 3 years, 10 mos ago. 
Thx again everyone for taking the time to explain to me.
 
Message Menu
Author Photo Hazel
Jun 15 2020, 6:57pm CST ~ 3 years, 10 mos ago. 
Thank you everyone for the explanation for siya and kanya! Also for the interesting discussions that followed
 
12
Post a Reply»




« Back to Main Page
Views: 910
See more of Tagalog.com by logging in
Join for the free language discussion group, flash cards, lesson tracking and more.