In my quest to learn Tagalog I try to make some things easier fo

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Aug 18 2019, 4:02am CST ~ 4 years ago.

In my quest to learn Tagalog I try to make some things easier for me to remember.
I have never seen Mga with a 'name', only an explanation that it is "used to make plurals" and also "has no direct English translation".
But, for me personally, I have decided to remember it as a "Plural Marker" and I think that that will help me to recognize its function quicker and easier than the above explanations.

Aug 18 2019, 2:45pm CST ~ 4 years ago.

@stevesmi
That's a good way to think of it...
mga = plurality marker
po = politeness marker
si / ni = proper name marker

Aug 21 2019, 2:55pm CST ~ 4 years ago.

I have tried to turn the whole tagalog learning process into a game and, thusfar, it has worked. I try to associate every word with an image or a person. For example, whenever I review the tagalog word tamad, I think of my asawa's brother-in-law. I remember it every time.

Aug 22 2019, 6:32am CST ~ 4 years ago.

@stevesmi

Aside from being a plural marker, "mga" may also be used to mean an estimated number as like "about/approximately/more or less".

Mga isang libo ang tao sa auditorium. = There are about a thousand people in the auditorium.

Mga US$25 ang pera ko sa pitaka`. = I have about US$25 in my wallet.

Mga 50 kilos ang timbáng ni James. = James weighs about 50 kilos.

Aug 23 2019, 6:06am CST ~ 4 years ago.

I should add that you may also use it to indicate an approximation of time.

Dumating si Mary nang mga alas-tres ng hapon. = Mary arrived at around 3 o'clock p.m..
Mga sampung minuto ako naghintay. = I waited for about 10 minutes.

Also, for appoximate quantities.

Paki bigyan mo ako ng mga kalahating baso ng tubig. = Please give me about half a glass of water.

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