Lesson 29 Tagalog - A Language Journey: Tagalog for English Speakers, word by word

out • labas, palabas

Introduction

The English word "out" translates to several Tagalog words depending on context, with the most common being labas (outside, exterior) and palabas (outward, going out). This fundamental spatial concept is essential for everyday communication in Tagalog, appearing in directions, descriptions of movement, and expressions about location.

Definition for Autodidact Students

"Out" in Tagalog primarily translates to:

• labas - the state of being outside or the exterior

• palabas - movement going outward or exiting

• lumabas - to go out (verb form)

• ilabas - to take/bring out (verb form)

FAQ Schema

Q: What does "out" mean in Tagalog?

A: "Out" in Tagalog is most commonly expressed as "labas" when referring to being outside or the exterior of something. When describing movement outward, use "palabas." The verb forms include "lumabas" (to go out) and "ilabas" (to take out).

How This Topic Word Will Be Used

In this lesson, you'll encounter "out" in various contexts:

• Physical locations (being outside)

• Directional movement (going out)

• Removal or extraction (taking out)

• Completion or depletion (running out)

• Social activities (going out)

Educational Schema

Course: Tagalog for English Speakers Level: Beginner to Intermediate Lesson Type: Vocabulary and Grammar Topic: Spatial Concepts - "Out" Skills: Reading, Grammar, Cultural Understanding

Key Takeaways

1. "Out" has multiple translations in Tagalog depending on usage

2. Labas is the most common noun form meaning "outside"

3. Verb forms change based on focus (actor vs. object)

4. Context determines which Tagalog word to use

5. Understanding Filipino verb conjugation patterns is crucial

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Section A (Granular Interlinear Text - Tagalog to English)

29.1 Lumabas went-out ang the bata child sa from bahay house

29.2 Nasa is-at labas outside ang the aso dog ngayon now

29.3 Ilabas take-out mo you ang the basura garbage mamaya later

29.4 Palabas going-out na already siya he/she ng from opisina office

29.5 Walang no tao person sa at labas outside ng of tindahan store

29.6 Lumabas came-out ang the araw sun mula from sa in ulap clouds

29.7 Gusto want kong I lumabas to-go-out ngayong this gabi night

29.8 Naubos ran-out na already ang the kanin rice sa in kusina kitchen

29.9 Isinara closed niya he/she ang the ilaw light bago before lumabas going-out

29.10 May there-is palabas show sa at telebisyon television ngayon now

29.11 Huwag don't kang you lumabas go-out ng from bahay house mag-isa alone

29.12 Naglalabas taking-out siya he/she ng of pera money sa from wallet wallet

29.13 Sa at labas outside ng of bansa country siya he/she nakatira lives

29.14 Lumabas came-out ang the totoo truth sa in huli end

29.15 Palabas outward ang the direksyon direction ng of hangin wind

Summary Box

What is "out" in Tagalog?

The English word "out" translates to several Tagalog words:

• labas - outside, exterior (noun)

• palabas - outward, going out (adjective/noun)

• lumabas - to go out (verb, actor focus)

• ilabas - to take out (verb, object focus)

• naglalabas - taking out (progressive verb form)

The choice depends on whether you're describing location, movement, or action, and which element of the sentence is in focus.

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Section B (Complete Sentences with Translation)

29.1 Lumabas ang bata sa bahay. The child went out of the house.

29.2 Nasa labas ang aso ngayon. The dog is outside now.

29.3 Ilabas mo ang basura mamaya. Take out the garbage later.

29.4 Palabas na siya ng opisina. He/she is going out of the office.

29.5 Walang tao sa labas ng tindahan. There's no one outside the store.

29.6 Lumabas ang araw mula sa ulap. The sun came out from the clouds.

29.7 Gusto kong lumabas ngayong gabi. I want to go out tonight.

29.8 Naubos na ang kanin sa kusina. The rice in the kitchen has run out.

29.9 Isinara niya ang ilaw bago lumabas. He/she turned off the light before going out.

29.10 May palabas sa telebisyon ngayon. There's a show on television now.

29.11 Huwag kang lumabas ng bahay mag-isa. Don't go out of the house alone.

29.12 Naglalabas siya ng pera sa wallet. He/she is taking money out of the wallet.

29.13 Sa labas ng bansa siya nakatira. He/she lives outside the country.

29.14 Lumabas ang totoo sa huli. The truth came out in the end.

29.15 Palabas ang direksyon ng hangin. The direction of the wind is outward.

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Section C (Tagalog Text Only)

29.1 Lumabas ang bata sa bahay.

29.2 Nasa labas ang aso ngayon.

29.3 Ilabas mo ang basura mamaya.

29.4 Palabas na siya ng opisina.

29.5 Walang tao sa labas ng tindahan.

29.6 Lumabas ang araw mula sa ulap.

29.7 Gusto kong lumabas ngayong gabi.

29.8 Naubos na ang kanin sa kusina.

29.9 Isinara niya ang ilaw bago lumabas.

29.10 May palabas sa telebisyon ngayon.

29.11 Huwag kang lumabas ng bahay mag-isa.

29.12 Naglalabas siya ng pera sa wallet.

29.13 Sa labas ng bansa siya nakatira.

29.14 Lumabas ang totoo sa huli.

29.15 Palabas ang direksyon ng hangin.

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Section D (Grammar Explanation)

Grammar Rules for "Out" in Tagalog

The English word "out" corresponds to different Tagalog words depending on grammatical function:

1. As a Location (Noun)

• labas - the outside, exterior

• Example: "sa labas" (at/in the outside)

2. As Movement (Verb Forms)

Tagalog uses a focus system that emphasizes different parts of the action:

Actor Focus (The doer is emphasized):

• Root: labas

• Past: lumabas (went out)

• Present: lumalabas (going out)

• Future: lalabas (will go out)

Object Focus (What is taken out is emphasized):

• Root: labas

• Command: ilabas (take out!)

• Past: inilabas (took out)

• Present: inilalabas (taking out)

• Future: ilalabas (will take out)

3. As Direction (Adjective/Adverb)

• palabas - outward, going out

• Example: "palabas na siya" (he/she is going out)

Common Mistakes

1. Using "labas" as a verb

   • Wrong: "Ako labas"

   • Correct: "Ako ay lalabas" or "Lalabas ako" (I will go out)

2. Confusing actor and object focus

   • Wrong: "Lumabas ko ang basura"

   • Correct: "Inilabas ko ang basura" (I took out the garbage)

3. Direct translation of "out of"

   • Wrong: "out of pera"

   • Correct: "Naubos na ang pera" (ran out of money)

Comparison with English

Unlike English, where "out" remains constant, Tagalog changes the word based on:

• Who or what is in focus

• Whether it's a state or an action

• The time of the action

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Word

1. Is it describing a location? → Use "labas"

2. Is it describing movement?

   • Who is doing the action? → Use "lumabas" forms

   • What is being moved? → Use "ilabas" forms

3. Is it describing direction? → Use "palabas"

4. Is it an idiom? → Check specific expressions

Grammatical Summary

Conjugation of "labas" (Actor Focus - to go out):

• Infinitive: lumabas

• Past: lumabas

• Present: lumalabas

• Future: lalabas

• Command: lumabas ka

Conjugation of "labas" (Object Focus - to take out):

• Infinitive: ilabas

• Past: inilabas

• Present: inilalabas

• Future: ilalabas

• Command: ilabas mo

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Section E (Cultural Context)

Understanding "Out" in Filipino Culture

The concept of "labas" (outside) carries special significance in Filipino culture, reflecting values of community, hospitality, and social interaction.

Social Aspects

In Filipino culture, "lumabas" (going out) often implies social activity. When Filipinos say "Tara, labas tayo!" (Come on, let's go out!), it usually means spending time with friends or family, not just leaving the house. This reflects the collective nature of Filipino society.

Home and Outside

The distinction between "loob" (inside) and "labas" (outside) is important in Filipino homes. The outside area, especially the front of the house, is often where neighbors gather to chat. Many Filipino expressions use this inside/outside metaphor:

• "palabas ng loob" (expressing one's feelings, literally "outside of inside")

• "labas sa isip" (out of one's mind)

Language Evolution

Modern Filipino has adopted some English phrases directly:

• "out of stock" is often used as is

• "time out" in sports and discipline

• "out of order" for broken equipment

However, traditional Tagalog equivalents remain preferred in formal settings.

Regional Variations

Different regions may have variations:

• Bisaya: "gawas" for outside

• Ilokano: "ruar" for outside

• But "labas" is universally understood

Etiquette

When visiting Filipino homes, you might hear:

• "Pasok ka!" (Come in!) as invitation

• "Lalabas lang ako" (I'm just going out) as a polite way to excuse oneself

Understanding these cultural nuances helps English speakers use "out" expressions more naturally in Filipino contexts.

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Section F (Literary Citation)

From "Mga Ibong Mandaragit" by Amado V. Hernandez (1969):

"Lumabas siya ng kulungan pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon. Ang liwanag ng araw ay bumagabag sa kanyang mga mata. Sa labas, ang mundo ay nagbago na, ngunit ang kanyang puso ay nananatiling matibay."

Part F-A (Interlinear Analysis)

Lumabas went-out siya he ng from kulungan prison pagkatapos after ng of mahabang long panahon time. Ang the liwanag light ng of araw sun ay [marker] bumagabag disturbed sa [marker] kanyang his mga [plural] mata eyes. Sa at labas outside, ang the mundo world ay [marker] nagbago changed na already, ngunit but ang the kanyang his puso heart ay [marker] nananatiling remaining matibay strong.

Part F-B (Complete Translation)

"He went out of prison after a long time. The sunlight disturbed his eyes. Outside, the world had already changed, but his heart remained strong."

Part F-C (Literary Analysis)

This passage from Hernandez's novel uses "labas" both literally and metaphorically. The physical act of going out ("lumabas") from prison parallels the broader theme of freedom. The word "labas" (outside) represents not just a physical space but a changed world, emphasizing the protagonist's displacement after imprisonment.

Part F-D (Grammatical Notes)

The passage demonstrates two uses of "out":

1. "Lumabas siya" - actor-focus verb showing the subject performing the action of going out

2. "Sa labas" - locative use indicating the place "outside"

The verb "lumabas" is in completed aspect, indicating a finished action. The phrase "ng kulungan" uses "ng" to mark the source or origin (from prison), showing movement from inside to outside.

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Genre Section: Contemporary Filipino Short Story

Section A (Granular Interlinear Text)

29.16 Naglalabas taking-out ng of cellphone cellphone ang the dalaga young-woman habang while naghihintay waiting sa at labas outside ng of mall mall

29.17 Lumabas came-out ang the mensahe message sa on screen screen na that nagsasabing saying "Nasa at labas outside na already ako" I

29.18 Palabas going-out na already ang the mga [plural] tao people mula from sa in sinehan cinema nang when dumating arrived siya he/she

29.19 Inilabas took-out niya he/she ang the susi key ng of kotse car mula from sa in bulsa pocket

29.20 Naubusan ran-out ng of pasensya patience ang the matanda old-person sa with mahabang long pila line sa at labas outside

29.21 Lumabas went-out sila they ng from restaurant restaurant nang when magsara closed na already ito it

29.22 Sa at labas outside ng of building building nila they napag-usapan discussed ang the plano plan

29.23 Naglalabas issuing ng of bagong new patakaran policy ang the kumpanya company tungkol about sa in work work from from home home

29.24 Lumabas appeared sa in balita news na that magkakaroon will-have ng of bagyo typhoon sa in Sabado Saturday

29.25 Palabas outgoing lahat all ng of tawag calls ay are libre free sa on bagong new plan plan

29.26 Inilabas brought-out ng by nanay mother ang the lumang old album album mula from sa in baul trunk

29.27 Lumabas turned-out na that magkakilala know-each-other pala apparently ang the dalawa two

29.28 Sa at labas outside ng of probinsya province mas more mura cheap ang the bilihin goods

29.29 Naglalabas releasing ng of init heat ang the makina machine kaya so mainit hot sa at labas outside

29.30 Lumabas came-out ang the buwan moon mula from sa behind likod back ng of mga [plural] ulap clouds

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Section B (Complete Sentences with Translation)

29.16 Naglalabas ng cellphone ang dalaga habang naghihintay sa labas ng mall. The young woman is taking out her cellphone while waiting outside the mall.

29.17 Lumabas ang mensahe sa screen na nagsasabing "Nasa labas na ako." A message appeared on the screen saying "I'm outside already."

29.18 Palabas na ang mga tao mula sa sinehan nang dumating siya. People were going out from the cinema when he/she arrived.

29.19 Inilabas niya ang susi ng kotse mula sa bulsa. He/she took out the car key from the pocket.

29.20 Naubusan ng pasensya ang matanda sa mahabang pila sa labas. The elderly person ran out of patience in the long line outside.

29.21 Lumabas sila ng restaurant nang magsara na ito. They went out of the restaurant when it was closing.

29.22 Sa labas ng building nila napag-usapan ang plano. They discussed the plan outside the building.

29.23 Naglalabas ng bagong patakaran ang kumpanya tungkol sa work from home. The company is issuing a new policy about work from home.

29.24 Lumabas sa balita na magkakaroon ng bagyo sa Sabado. It came out in the news that there will be a typhoon on Saturday.

29.25 Palabas lahat ng tawag ay libre sa bagong plan. All outgoing calls are free on the new plan.

29.26 Inilabas ng nanay ang lumang album mula sa baul. Mother brought out the old album from the trunk.

29.27 Lumabas na magkakilala pala ang dalawa. It turned out that the two knew each other.

29.28 Sa labas ng probinsya mas mura ang bilihin. Outside the province, goods are cheaper.

29.29 Naglalabas ng init ang makina kaya mainit sa labas. The machine is releasing heat so it's hot outside.

29.30 Lumabas ang buwan mula sa likod ng mga ulap. The moon came out from behind the clouds.

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Section C (Tagalog Text Only)

29.16 Naglalabas ng cellphone ang dalaga habang naghihintay sa labas ng mall.

29.17 Lumabas ang mensahe sa screen na nagsasabing "Nasa labas na ako."

29.18 Palabas na ang mga tao mula sa sinehan nang dumating siya.

29.19 Inilabas niya ang susi ng kotse mula sa bulsa.

29.20 Naubusan ng pasensya ang matanda sa mahabang pila sa labas.

29.21 Lumabas sila ng restaurant nang magsara na ito.

29.22 Sa labas ng building nila napag-usapan ang plano.

29.23 Naglalabas ng bagong patakaran ang kumpanya tungkol sa work from home.

29.24 Lumabas sa balita na magkakaroon ng bagyo sa Sabado.

29.25 Palabas lahat ng tawag ay libre sa bagong plan.

29.26 Inilabas ng nanay ang lumang album mula sa baul.

29.27 Lumabas na magkakilala pala ang dalawa.

29.28 Sa labas ng probinsya mas mura ang bilihin.

29.29 Naglalabas ng init ang makina kaya mainit sa labas.

29.30 Lumabas ang buwan mula sa likod ng mga ulap.

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Section D (Genre Grammar Notes)

Contemporary Usage of "Out" in Modern Filipino

This contemporary story section demonstrates how "out" functions in modern Filipino contexts, including technology, urban life, and everyday situations.

Modern Expressions

1. Technology-related uses:

   • "lumabas ang mensahe" (the message appeared/came out)

   • "palabas na tawag" (outgoing call)

2. Idiomatic uses:

   • "naubusan ng pasensya" (ran out of patience)

   • "lumabas sa balita" (came out in the news)

   • "lumabas na..." (it turned out that...)

Compound Verbs with "labas"

The contemporary genre shows various compound forms:

• naglalabas - continuous action of taking out

• inilabas - completed action with object focus

• naubusan - to run out of something

Code-Switching

Notice how English words are naturally integrated:

• "mall," "cellphone," "screen," "restaurant," "building"

• "work from home" used as a complete English phrase

This reflects actual contemporary Filipino speech patterns where English and Tagalog mix seamlessly.

Grammatical Patterns in Modern Context

1. Time markers:

   • "na" (already) often follows "labas" forms

   • "habang" (while) shows simultaneous action

2. Aspect markers:

   • Progressive: naglalabas (is taking out)

   • Completed: lumabas (went out)

   • Contemplated: lalabas (will go out)

3. Modern sentence structures:

   • Inverted word order for emphasis

   • Use of "pala" for surprise or realization

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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 refined since 2006 at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk.

Course Philosophy

The Latinum Institute's approach, curated by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), emphasizes:

1. Construed Text Method: Breaking down texts into smallest meaningful units for optimal comprehension

2. Systematic Progression: Each lesson builds on previous knowledge

3. Cultural Integration: Language learning within cultural context

4. Autodidact-Friendly: Designed for independent learners

Learning Methodology

These lessons employ several key techniques:

• Interlinear Translation: Word-by-word correspondence for vocabulary building

• Multiple Presentation Formats: Same content in different forms for reinforcement

• Grammar in Context: Rules explained through actual usage

• Literary Exposure: Authentic texts for advanced application

How to Use These Lessons

1. Start with the introduction to understand the scope

2. Work through Section A slowly, learning each word

3. Practice with Sections B and C

4. Study grammar rules in Section D

5. Apply knowledge to the genre section

6. Review regularly for retention

About the Curator

Evan der Millner has been creating online language learning materials since 2006, developing innovative approaches to classical and modern language instruction. His work at the Latinum Institute focuses on making language learning accessible to autodidacts worldwide.

Additional Resources

• Visit latinum.substack.com for supplementary materials

• Explore latinum.org.uk for course information

• The Latinum Institute offers resources for Latin, Greek, and modern languages

These lessons represent years of pedagogical refinement, designed to help independent learners achieve fluency through systematic, comprehensible input and careful grammatical instruction.

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