Tagalog - An (Affix) | Luzvimindan Project

Introduction

The Tagalog suffix -an indicates that turns an abstract concept (intangible) to a material concept (tangible) or make new abstract concepts. It is also used as an affix for places relative to their root words.

As Places

Attaching the suffix -an is usually for places.

FORM : root + -an

With -an	Meaning	Root Word	Meaning
Tindahan	Store	Tinda	To sell
Libingan	Cemetery	Libing	To bury
Simbahan	Church	Simba	To go to Mass
Kainan	Eatery	Kain	To eat
Tanghalan	Theater	Tanghal	To perform

Intangible Concepts to Tangible Concepts

Attaching the suffix -an makes an abstract (intangible) concept into a material (tangible) concept.

FORM : root + -an

With -an	Meaning	Root Word	Meaning
Laruan	Toy	Laro	To play
Labahan	Laundry	Laba	To do wash clothes
Inuman	Cup	Inom	To drink

Intagible To Intangible

Attaching -an also makes new abstract concepts.

FORM : root + -an

With -an

Meaning

Root Word

Meaning

Samahan

Group

Sama

To join

Lipunan

Society

Lipon

To gather

Ugnayan

Connection

Ugnay

To connect

Dahilan

Reason

Dahil

Because

Patayan

Killings

Patay

Dead

Summary

-an is a suffix that turns a noun into different concepts including places, intangible concepts to tangible concepts or new abstract concepts.