Language translation plays a key role in communication, especially in a multilingual country like the Philippines. One commonly asked question is how to translate the English word by into Tagalog. This small word may seem simple, but its meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used. Understanding the correct Tagalog translation of ‘by’ requires examining various situations and grammatical roles it may serve, such as showing time, means, authorship, proximity, or agents in passive voice. To make your English-Tagalog translations more accurate and natural, it’s important to consider how by functions in each sentence.
Understanding the Word ‘By’ in English
The English word ‘by’ is a preposition that has several meanings. It can indicate:
- Authorship (e.g., ‘A novel by Jose Rizal’)
- Means of transportation or communication (e.g., ‘Travel by car’, ‘Send it by email’)
- Time (e.g., ‘Finish this by 5 p.m.’)
- Proximity (e.g., ‘Sit by the window’)
- Passive voice agent (e.g., ‘The book was written by her’)
Each of these uses has a different translation in Tagalog, depending on the function and meaning.
Translation of By Based on Context
1. Authorship or Agent (Passive Voice)
When by is used to show who did an action in a passive sentence, the Tagalog equivalent is usually ng or ni.
- English: The poem was written by Francisco Balagtas.
- Tagalog: Ang tula ay isinulatniFrancisco Balagtas.
Use ni if the doer is a proper name and ng if the doer is not a specific person.
- English: The food was cooked by the chef.
- Tagalog: Ang pagkain ay nilutongkusinero.
2. Time Limit or Deadline
When by indicates a deadline or time frame, it is commonly translated as sa or bago.
- English: Submit the report by Monday.
- Tagalog: Ibigay ang ulatbago angLunes.
Bago means before and is usually the clearest way to convey a time deadline. In casual speech, sa can also be used for due time, though it’s slightly ambiguous.
3. Means or Method
When by shows a method or means of doing something, the equivalent in Tagalog depends on the context. Often, the word sa pamamagitan ng (meaning through or by means of) is used, though it is formal.
- English: She traveled by boat.
- Tagalog: Naglakbay siyasa pamamagitan ngbangka.
In casual conversation, Filipinos may omit the preposition altogether or use simpler constructions:
- Tagalog (casual): Sumakay siya ng bangka.
Ng here acts as a marker for the vehicle being used.
4. Proximity or Location
When by refers to physical location near something, the best translation is sa tabi ng or malapit sa.
- English: The cat is sitting by the door.
- Tagalog: Nakaupo ang pusasa tabi ngpinto.
- English: The bookstore is by the school.
- Tagalog: Ang tindahan ng libro aymalapit sapaaralan.
5. Measurements or Increments
Sometimes by is used to describe amounts or steps, such as two by two or increase by 10%. In Tagalog, this is translated using ng or descriptive phrases.
- English: The price increased by 10%.
- Tagalog: Tumaas ang presyong10%.
- English: They walked two by two.
- Tagalog: Naglakad sila ng pares-pares.
Common Tagalog Phrases Using By Translations
Here are some Tagalog expressions and their English equivalents that illustrate how by is translated in everyday speech:
- By heart–Sa pusoorKabÃsado
- By chance–Sa pagkakataonorNang hindi inaasahan
- By hand–Mano-manoorGamit ang kamay
- By mistake–Sa pagkakamali
- By the way–Sa totoo langorKung tutuusin
Understanding how to translate by in different contexts is crucial to achieving fluency in Tagalog, especially for language learners and translators.
Quick Reference: English to Tagalog Translation of By
| Usage | English Example | Tagalog Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Authorship | Written by Ana | Isinulat ni Ana |
| Time | By Friday | Bago ang Biyernes |
| Means | By email | Sa pamamagitan ng email |
| Location | By the window | Sa tabi ng bintana |
| Passive voice | Built by workers | Itinayo ng mga manggagawa |
Why Context Matters in Translation
The English language relies heavily on prepositions like by to show relationships between ideas, objects, people, and actions. In Tagalog, prepositions are more flexible and often embedded within the structure of verbs and sentence markers. This makes one-to-one translations difficult unless the context is clearly understood. Translating ‘by’ accurately involves knowing not just vocabulary but also grammar and sentence flow.
The translation of by in Tagalog is not fixed but varies according to meaning and sentence use. It can be translated as ng, ni, bago, sa pamamagitan ng, sa tabi ng, and many more, depending on what idea is being expressed. Mastering the translation of prepositions like by will greatly improve your fluency in both understanding and using Tagalog. For those learning Filipino or involved in translation work, studying real-world examples and practicing sentence construction will help internalize these variations more effectively.