Lesson 28 Tagalog - A Language Journey: Tagalog for English Speakers, word by word

up • pataas

Introduction

The English word "up" translates most commonly to "pataas" in Tagalog, though several other words can express upward movement or position depending on context. This fundamental directional word is essential for everyday communication in Tagalog.

Definition: "Up" refers to movement toward a higher position, a higher place or position, or an increase in amount, degree, or intensity. In Tagalog, the primary equivalent is "pataas" (upward/going up), but context determines whether to use "taas" (high/above), "sa itaas" (at the top/upstairs), or other related terms.

How this topic word will be used: Throughout this lesson, you'll encounter "up" in various contexts - from simple directional phrases to idiomatic expressions. We'll explore how Tagalog handles vertical movement, elevated positions, and metaphorical uses of "up" through natural, everyday sentences that demonstrate the flexibility and nuance of these translations.

Key Takeaways

• "Pataas" is the primary word for upward movement

• "Taas" refers to height or being high/above

• "Sa itaas" indicates location at a higher position

• Context determines which Tagalog word to use for "up"

• Tagalog often uses prefixes and particles to indicate direction

• Understanding directional words is crucial for giving and receiving directions in Tagalog

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Section A (Detailed English-Tagalog Interlinear Text)

28.1 Umakyat climbed siya he/she pataas upward sa to bundok mountain

28.2 Tumingin looked ang the bata child sa at itaas above

28.3 Lumipad flew pataas upward ang the ibon bird sa in langit sky

28.4 Itaas raise mo you ang the iyong your kamay hand

28.5 Tumaas went-up ang the presyo price ng of bigas rice

28.6 Pumunta went kami we sa to itaas upstairs ng of bahay house

28.7 Itinapon threw niya he/she ang the bola ball pataas upward

28.8 Nakatingin looking sila they paitaas upward sa at mga plural bituin stars

28.9 Umangat rose ang the araw sun sa in silangan east

28.10 Iakyat bring-up mo you ang the mga plural gamit things sa to itaas upstairs

28.11 Tumalon jumped ang the pusa cat pataas upward sa onto mesa table

28.12 Lumaki grew pataas upward ang the puno tree sa in hardin garden

28.13 Umabot reached hanggang until sa to itaas top ang the tubig water

28.14 Sumigaw shouted siya he/she pataas upward mula from sa at ibaba below

28.15 Umahon came-up ang the mangingisda fisherman mula from sa in dagat sea

Summary Box: What is "up" in Tagalog?

"Up" in Tagalog is expressed through several words:

• pataas - upward movement/direction

• taas/itaas - high position/above/upstairs

• paitaas - facing upward

• umangat/umakyat - to go up/climb up

• itaas - to raise/lift up (command form)

The choice depends on whether you're describing movement (pataas), position (sa itaas), or using it as a verb prefix (um-, i-).

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Section B (Complete Tagalog Sentences with English Translation)

28.1 Umakyat siya pataas sa bundok. He climbed up the mountain.

28.2 Tumingin ang bata sa itaas. The child looked up.

28.3 Lumipad pataas ang ibon sa langit. The bird flew up into the sky.

28.4 Itaas mo ang iyong kamay. Raise your hand up.

28.5 Tumaas ang presyo ng bigas. The price of rice went up.

28.6 Pumunta kami sa itaas ng bahay. We went upstairs in the house.

28.7 Itinapon niya ang bola pataas. He threw the ball up.

28.8 Nakatingin sila paitaas sa mga bituin. They are looking up at the stars.

28.9 Umangat ang araw sa silangan. The sun rose up in the east.

28.10 Iakyat mo ang mga gamit sa itaas. Bring the things up to the upper floor.

28.11 Tumalon ang pusa pataas sa mesa. The cat jumped up onto the table.

28.12 Lumaki pataas ang puno sa hardin. The tree grew up in the garden.

28.13 Umabot hanggang sa itaas ang tubig. The water reached up to the top.

28.14 Sumigaw siya pataas mula sa ibaba. She shouted up from below.

28.15 Umahon ang mangingisda mula sa dagat. The fisherman came up from the sea.

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Section C (Tagalog Text Only)

28.1 Umakyat siya pataas sa bundok.

28.2 Tumingin ang bata sa itaas.

28.3 Lumipad pataas ang ibon sa langit.

28.4 Itaas mo ang iyong kamay.

28.5 Tumaas ang presyo ng bigas.

28.6 Pumunta kami sa itaas ng bahay.

28.7 Itinapon niya ang bola pataas.

28.8 Nakatingin sila paitaas sa mga bituin.

28.9 Umangat ang araw sa silangan.

28.10 Iakyat mo ang mga gamit sa itaas.

28.11 Tumalon ang pusa pataas sa mesa.

28.12 Lumaki pataas ang puno sa hardin.

28.13 Umabot hanggang sa itaas ang tubig.

28.14 Sumigaw siya pataas mula sa ibaba.

28.15 Umahon ang mangingisda mula sa dagat.

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Section D (Grammar Explanation for English Speakers)

Grammar Rules for "up" in Tagalog

1. Basic Directional Words

• pataas - indicates upward movement or direction

• taas - refers to height or high position

• sa itaas - means "at the top" or "upstairs"

• paitaas - means "facing upward" or "upward-facing"

2. Verb Affixes for Upward Movement Tagalog uses specific affixes to indicate upward action:

• um- prefix: umakyat (to climb up), umangat (to rise up), umahon (to come up)

• -in suffix: akyatin (to climb up something)

• i- prefix: iakyat (to bring something up), itaas (to raise)

• mag- prefix: magtaas (to raise/increase)

3. Common Patterns

• Movement up: verb + pataas

• Location above: sa itaas ng + noun

• Looking up: tumingin/nakatingin + sa itaas/paitaas

• Going upstairs: pumunta/umakyat sa itaas

Common Mistakes

1. Using "taas" instead of "pataas" for movement

   • Wrong: Lumipad taas ang ibon

   • Correct: Lumipad pataas ang ibon

   • English speakers often confuse position (taas) with direction (pataas)

2. Forgetting "sa" before "itaas"

   • Wrong: Pumunta kami itaas

   • Correct: Pumunta kami sa itaas

   • "Sa" is needed to indicate location

3. Using English word order

   • Wrong: Ang bata tumingin sa itaas

   • Correct: Tumingin ang bata sa itaas

   • Tagalog typically uses Verb-Subject-Object order

4. Confusing "pataas" and "pababa"

   • pataas = upward

   • pababa = downward

   • The "pa-" prefix indicates direction, with taas (high) or baba (low)

Comparison with English

Unlike English, which uses "up" as both an adverb and preposition, Tagalog distinguishes between:

• Directional movement (pataas)

• Static position (sa itaas)

• Verb modifications (um-, i-, mag- prefixes)

English phrasal verbs with "up" (look up, give up, wake up) don't translate directly. Each requires a specific Tagalog verb or construction.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using "Up" in Tagalog

1. Identify the type of "up":

   • Is it movement? Use "pataas"

   • Is it position? Use "sa itaas"

   • Is it part of a verb? Use appropriate affix

2. Choose the correct form:

   • For commands: Use "i-" prefix (itaas)

   • For completed actions: Use "um-" verbs

   • For locations: Always use "sa"

3. Consider the context:

   • Physical movement: pataas, umakyat

   • Metaphorical increase: tumaas, lumaki

   • Position/location: sa itaas, nasa itaas

Grammatical Summary for "up"

Directional Forms:

• pataas (upward)

• paitaas (facing upward)

• paakyat (going upward)

Positional Forms:

• taas (high/height)

• sa itaas (above/upstairs)

• nasa itaas (is above/upstairs)

Verbal Forms:

• umakyat (climbed up)

• iakyat (bring up)

• magtaas (to raise)

• tumaas (went up/increased)

Common Constructions:

• verb + pataas (movement)

• sa itaas ng + noun (location)

• hanggang sa itaas (up to the top)

• mula sa ibaba pataas (from below upward)

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Section E (Cultural Context)

Understanding "up" in Tagalog extends beyond mere translation. In Filipino culture, vertical orientation carries significant meaning. The concept of "taas" (high) often implies superiority, respect, or improvement, while "baba" (low) can suggest humility or inferior status.

Traditional Filipino homes often have a distinction between "sa ibaba" (downstairs) and "sa itaas" (upstairs), with the upper floor typically reserved for private family spaces. This vertical organization of space reflects social hierarchies and privacy concepts in Filipino society.

In religious contexts, "pataas" symbolizes spiritual ascension. Looking "paitaas" (upward) during prayer represents seeking divine guidance. The phrase "itaas ang mga kamay" (raise your hands) appears in both religious worship and secular celebrations.

Filipino idioms using vertical concepts include "mataas ang lipad" (flying high) for ambition and "tumaas ang ulo" (head went up) for becoming proud or arrogant. Understanding these metaphorical uses helps English speakers grasp how Filipinos conceptualize success, pride, and social mobility.

The typhoon-prone Philippines has developed specific vocabulary for water levels rising: "tumaas ang tubig" (water level rose) is a critical phrase during flooding seasons. This practical application of "up" terminology can be vital for travelers and residents alike.

In jeepney culture, passengers say "para" to stop, but might add "sa itaas lang" (just up ahead) to indicate where specifically they want to alight, showing how directional language integrates into daily transportation.

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Section F (Literary Citation)

From "Banaag at Sikat" by Lope K. Santos (1906):

"Ang araw ay unti-unting umaangat sa silangan, at ang mga ibon ay nagsisimulang lumipad pataas sa kalangitan. Tumingin si Delfin sa itaas at nakita ang kagandahan ng umaga."

Part F-A (Interlinear Analysis)

Ang the araw sun ay is unti-unting gradually umaangat rising sa in silangan east, at and ang the mga plural ibon birds ay are nagsisimulang beginning lumipad to-fly pataas upward sa in kalangitan sky. Tumingin looked si marker Delfin Delfin sa at itaas above at and nakita saw ang the kagandahan beauty ng of umaga morning.

Part F-B (Complete Translation)

"Ang araw ay unti-unting umaangat sa silangan, at ang mga ibon ay nagsisimulang lumipad pataas sa kalangitan. Tumingin si Delfin sa itaas at nakita ang kagandahan ng umaga."

The sun was gradually rising in the east, and the birds were beginning to fly up into the sky. Delfin looked up and saw the beauty of the morning.

Part F-C (Literary Analysis)

This passage from Santos's revolutionary novel demonstrates three distinct uses of upward concepts: "umaangat" (rising) for the sun's movement, "pataas" (upward) for the birds' flight direction, and "sa itaas" (up/above) for Delfin's gaze. The progression from celestial to earthly to human perspective shows how Filipino literature naturally integrates vertical movement into scene-setting.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

The passage illustrates:

• umaangat: um- prefix + angat (rise), showing completed upward movement

• pataas: directional marker following the verb "lumipad"

• sa itaas: prepositional phrase indicating where Delfin looked

• The "ay" inversion marker creating a more formal, literary tone

• Progressive aspect "nagsisimulang" (beginning to) combined with directional movement

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Genre Section: Contemporary Filipino Short Story

Section A (Detailed Tagalog-English Interlinear Text)

28.16 Dahan-dahan slowly siyang she umakyat climbed pataas upward sa on hagdan stairs ng of luma old niyang her bahay house

28.17 Sa on bawat every hakbang step pataas upward, naalala remembered niya she ang the mga plural masayang happy alaala memories

28.18 Pagdating upon-arriving sa at itaas upstairs, binuksan opened niya she ang the pintuan door ng of dating former kwarto room niya her

28.19 Tumaas rose ang the kanyang her puso heart sa with tuwa joy nang when makita saw ang the larawan picture

28.20 Kinuha took niya she ito it at and itinapat held pataas up sa to liwanag light ng of bintana window

28.21 Bumaba went-down at and umakyat went-up ulit again siya she dala carrying ang the kahon box ng of alaala memories

28.22 Napatingin happened-to-look siya she sa at itaas ceiling kung where saan where naroon there pa still rin also ang the mantsa stain

28.23 Umangat lifted ang the sulok corner ng of kanyang her labi lips sa in ngiti smile

28.24 Itinaas raised niya she ang the mga plural mata eyes at and nagpasalamat gave-thanks sa to langit heaven

28.25 Mula from sa at ibaba below, narinig heard niya she ang the tinig voice ng of anak child na that tumatawag calling pataas upward

28.26 Tumayo stood siya she at and sumigaw called pabalik back pababa downward na that paakyat coming-up na already siya she

28.27 Habang while bumababa going-down, tumingala looked-up pa still siya she sa at itaas above bago before tuluyang completely umalis left

28.28 Lumabas went-out sila they at and tumingala looked-up sa at langit sky na that kumukulap gathering-clouds pataas upward

28.29 Inakyat climbed ng by hangin wind ang the mga plural dahon leaves pataas upward sa in himpapawid atmosphere

28.30 Sa in wakas end, tumaas rose din also ang the kanilang their pag-asa hope na that magiging will-be maayos okay ang the lahat everything

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Section B (Complete Tagalog Sentences with English Translation)

28.16 Dahan-dahan siyang umakyat pataas sa hagdan ng luma niyang bahay. She slowly climbed up the stairs of her old house.

28.17 Sa bawat hakbang pataas, naalala niya ang mga masayang alaala. With every step up, she remembered the happy memories.

28.18 Pagdating sa itaas, binuksan niya ang pintuan ng dating kwarto niya. Upon arriving upstairs, she opened the door of her former room.

28.19 Tumaas ang kanyang puso sa tuwa nang makita ang larawan. Her heart rose with joy when she saw the picture.

28.20 Kinuha niya ito at itinapat pataas sa liwanag ng bintana. She took it and held it up to the window light.

28.21 Bumaba at umakyat ulit siya dala ang kahon ng alaala. She went down and up again carrying the box of memories.

28.22 Napatingin siya sa itaas kung saan naroon pa rin ang mantsa. She happened to look up at the ceiling where the stain was still there.

28.23 Umangat ang sulok ng kanyang labi sa ngiti. The corner of her lips lifted up in a smile.

28.24 Itinaas niya ang mga mata at nagpasalamat sa langit. She raised her eyes and gave thanks to heaven.

28.25 Mula sa ibaba, narinig niya ang tinig ng anak na tumatawag pataas. From below, she heard her child's voice calling up.

28.26 Tumayo siya at sumigaw pabalik pababa na paakyat na siya. She stood and called back down that she was coming up.

28.27 Habang bumababa, tumingala pa siya sa itaas bago tuluyang umalis. While going down, she still looked up above before completely leaving.

28.28 Lumabas sila at tumingala sa langit na kumukulap pataas. They went out and looked up at the sky with clouds gathering upward.

28.29 Inakyat ng hangin ang mga dahon pataas sa himpapawid. The wind lifted the leaves up into the atmosphere.

28.30 Sa wakas, tumaas din ang kanilang pag-asa na magiging maayos ang lahat. Finally, their hope also rose that everything would be okay.

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Section C (Tagalog Text Only)

28.16 Dahan-dahan siyang umakyat pataas sa hagdan ng luma niyang bahay.

28.17 Sa bawat hakbang pataas, naalala niya ang mga masayang alaala.

28.18 Pagdating sa itaas, binuksan niya ang pintuan ng dating kwarto niya.

28.19 Tumaas ang kanyang puso sa tuwa nang makita ang larawan.

28.20 Kinuha niya ito at itinapat pataas sa liwanag ng bintana.

28.21 Bumaba at umakyat ulit siya dala ang kahon ng alaala.

28.22 Napatingin siya sa itaas kung saan naroon pa rin ang mantsa.

28.23 Umangat ang sulok ng kanyang labi sa ngiti.

28.24 Itinaas niya ang mga mata at nagpasalamat sa langit.

28.25 Mula sa ibaba, narinig niya ang tinig ng anak na tumatawag pataas.

28.26 Tumayo siya at sumigaw pabalik pababa na paakyat na siya.

28.27 Habang bumababa, tumingala pa siya sa itaas bago tuluyang umalis.

28.28 Lumabas sila at tumingala sa langit na kumukulap pataas.

28.29 Inakyat ng hangin ang mga dahon pataas sa himpapawid.

28.30 Sa wakas, tumaas din ang kanilang pag-asa na magiging maayos ang lahat.

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Section D (Grammar Notes for Contemporary Story Genre)

Narrative Uses of "Up" in Filipino Fiction

1. Physical Movement in Storytelling Contemporary Filipino writers use various forms of "up" to create vivid scenes:

• umakyat pataas - emphasizes the upward motion

• tumingala - looked up (specific verb for upward gazing)

• itinaas ang mata - raised the eyes (literary expression)

2. Emotional and Metaphorical "Up"

• tumaas ang puso - heart rose (joy/excitement)

• umangat ang labi - lips lifted (beginning to smile)

• tumaas ang pag-asa - hope rose (increasing optimism)

3. Aspectual Variations The story demonstrates how aspect markers modify upward actions:

• paakyat - about to go up (contemplated)

• umakyat - went up (completed)

• umaakyat - going up (progressive)

• inakyat - was lifted up (passive)

4. Compound Directional Expressions

• pataas sa himpapawid - upward into the atmosphere

• tumawag pataas - calling upward

• kumukulap pataas - gathering (clouds) upward

5. Stylistic Devices

• Repetition of up/down movements (bumaba at umakyat) creates rhythm

• Multiple perspectives of "up" (physical, emotional, spiritual)

• Use of "tumingala" vs "tumingin sa itaas" for variety

Common Narrative Patterns

1. Sequential movement: bumaba at umakyat ulit (went down and up again)

2. Simultaneous actions: habang bumababa, tumingala pa siya (while going down, she still looked up)

3. Cause and effect: tumaas ang puso sa tuwa (heart rose with joy)

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About This Course

This lesson is part of a comprehensive language learning series developed by the Latinum Institute, drawing from methodologies established at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk. These lessons are specifically designed for autodidacts—self-directed learners who prefer structured, independent study.

The course employs the "construed text" method, breaking down target language sentences into their smallest meaningful components with word-by-word glosses. This granular approach, refined since 2006, allows learners to build vocabulary systematically while understanding grammatical structures through direct comparison with their native language.

Each lesson features:

• 30 carefully crafted example sentences progressing in complexity

• Interlinear translations revealing language structure

• Cultural context essential for authentic communication

• Literary excerpts from genuine sources

• Genre-specific vocabulary and usage patterns

The lessons are curated by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006. His work with the Latinum Institute focuses on making classical and modern languages accessible to independent learners worldwide.

For more information about Evan der Millner and the Latinum Institute's approach to language learning, readers can explore:

• The methodology explained at latinum.substack.com/method

• Complete course offerings at latinum.org.uk

• Additional resources and updates through the Latinum Institute's various online platforms

These lessons are designed to be used without a teacher, providing all necessary explanations, cultural notes, and practice materials for successful self-study. The consistent format across all lessons allows learners to develop effective study habits while progressing through increasingly complex language structures.

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