How to add the meaning "a lot" to a verb in tagalog
For example, I want to say: Since then, we talk a lot.

I didn't see, on the internet, anything concerning an adverb meaning "a lot". However, I read that, for some verbs with the mag- affix, the repetition of the first syllabe would mean "a lot".
So, for instance: Mag-usap (to talk) -- Mag-uusap (to talk a lot)
But then, how can we make a distinction between the future tense and the infinitive? I guess it would depend of the context of the sentence?

So... Mula noon, nag-uuusap tami.

Is that correct?
Thanks for your help.

Question

How to add the meaning "a lot" to a verb in tagalog
For example, I want to say: Since then, we talk a lot.

I didn't see, on the internet, anything concerning an adverb meaning "a lot". However, I read that, for some verbs with the mag- affix, the repetition of the first syllabe would mean "a lot".
So, for instance: Mag-usap (to talk) --> Mag-uusap (to talk a lot)
But then, how can we make a distinction between the future tense and the infinitive? I guess it would depend of the context of the sentence?

So... Mula noon, nag-uuusap tami.

Is that correct?
Thanks for your help.

Answer

We don't actually have a word for "a lot".
A lot (if used to determine quantity) = marami (many) 
A lot (if used to determine frequency of events) = palagi (always)

Mag-usap (to talk) --> Mag-uusap (will talk)
In the infinitive, you don't need to repeat the first syllable. 
I think what you encountered was "mag-" as a NOUN affix.
One of the uses of "mag-" as a NOUN affix indicates the relationship expressed by the root.
Example:
Magkaibigan lang kami = We're just friends. (Note the word was kaibigan=friend)
Nawawalang mag-ina. = Missing mother and child. (Root was ina=mother)

If we retain "mag" and repeat the first syllable it'd be plural.
Example:
MagKAKAibigan lang kami = We're just friends. (This involves me with 2 or more other friends)
Nawawalang mag-IIna. = Missing mother and children. (This involves a mother and her 2 or more kids)

Anyhow...
Since then, we talk a lot. =  Mula noon, palagi kaming nag-uusap.

Other acceptable translations are:
Mula noon, LAGI kaming nag-uusap.
Mula noon, palagi/lagi NA kaming nag-uusap

Hope I helped you. :)

Answer

I think its better to use "Mula noon, palagi kaming nag-uusap" always = "palagi"

Answer

or
Mula noon, palagi na kaming nag-uusap.

Answer

I think its better to use "Mula noon, palagi kaming nag-uusap"
always = "palagi"

Answers · 7

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