Ever find yourself fumbling for the right Tagalog word when you want to say “since”? You’re not alone—this little conjunction wears two hats in English, and Tagalog has its own wardrobe of expressions. In this post, we’ll demystify both the temporal and causal sides of “since,” sprinkle in some idiomatic English expressions, and even simulate a few handwritten-style touches to keep things feeling cozy and personal—just like a chat over coffee.
Why “Since” Feels Tricky
In English, “since” can mean:
- When something started: I’ve lived here since 2015.
- Why something happened: Since you asked, I’ll help.
When you swap over to Tagalog, you need to pick from a handful of markers—each one finely tuned to either time or reason. Mix them up and you might sound like you’re speaking gobbledygook—definitely not what we want!
Temporal “Since”: Marking a Starting Point
Think of temporal “since” as a pinpoint on a timeline. You’re saying, “This began at that exact moment, and it’s still going on.”
Tagalog Markers for Time
- mula noong + [time/event]
- simula noong + [time/event]
- mula pa noong + [time/event]
Handwritten-style note: “pa” adds extra emphasis—kind of like saying “ever since!”
Examples in Action
- I’ve been playing guitar since high school. – Naglalaro ako ng gitara mula noong high school pa.
- She’s known him since childhood. – Kilala na niya siya simula noong pagkabata.
- We’ve lived here since January 2020. – Nakatira kami rito mula noong Enero 2020.
Notice how the Tagalog sentence often leads with the time marker—front-loading that context before the main action. It’s like saying, “From the get-go…” in English.
Causal “Since”: Giving a Reason
Causal “since” softens your tone—it’s less formal than “because,” more conversational, almost like a gentle wave of explanation.
Tagalog Markers for Reason
- dahil sa + [noun/phrase]
- sapagkat + [clause]
- kasi + [clause]
Quick scribble: “kasi” is so casual, you’ll hear it everywhere—from street vendors to family dinners!
Examples in Conversation
- Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside. – Dahil sa ulan, mananatili kami sa loob.
- Since you’re here early, let’s grab coffee. – Sapagkat maaga ka pa, kape tayo.
- Since I’m tired, I’ll call it a day. – Kasi pagod na ako, tapos na tayo.
Dahil sa pairs neatly with nouns (dahil sa ulan). Sapagkat feels a tad more formal—perfect for writing or polite speech. Kasi is your go-to for everyday chit-chat.
Quick Reference Table
| English “Since” | Tagalog Marker | Usage | Example English | Example Tagalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporal | mula noong | pinpoints start | since 2018 | Mula noong 2018, nagtratrabaho ako rito. |
| Temporal | simula noong | pinpoints start | since last week | Simula noong nakaraang linggo, di siya dumating. |
| Temporal w/ emphasis | mula pa noong | strong duration | ever since childhood | Mula pa noong pagkabata, magkaibigan na kami. |
| Causal | dahil sa | noun/phrase reason | since it’s cold outside | Dahil sa sobrang lamig, naka-jacket kami. |
| Causal (formal) | sapagkat | clause reason | since she studied hard | Sapagkat nag-aral siya ng mabuti, pumasa siya. |
| Causal (casual) | kasi | clause reason | since I’m hungry | Kasi gutom na ako, kumain na tayo. |
Word Order & Focus: A Handy Tip
Tagalog often front-loads your reason or time marker. See the pattern:
- Mula noong Mayo, nag-emo ako ng tula.
- Dahil sa trapiko, nalate ako.
This structure guides the listener—you’re saying, “Hey, here’s the backdrop… now the main event.”
Common Pitfalls (and How to Sidestep Them)
- Mixing markers. – Never use dahil sa for time or mula noong for reason—crossing them is like wearing socks with sandals.
- Dropping connectors. – Simula [noon] and mula [ng] need their little buddies (noon, ng) for clarity.
- Overusing “kasi.” – Perfect for speech, but avoid it in essays or formal letters—here, sapagkat shines.
- Word-for-word translation. – “I’ve been sad since Monday” → “Malungkot ako mula Lunes” (missing noong). The correct tag is mula noong Lunes.
From Theory to Practice: 5 Exercises
- Daily Journal: Write one sentence each day—alternating between mula noong and dahil sa.
- Shadow Reading: Pick a short Filipino news clip. Pause at every “mula” or “sapagkat” and repeat.
- Tagalog Tandem: Find a language buddy. Describe your day using both temporal and causal “since.”
- Spot the Marker: While watching Filipino vlogs, tally how often speakers use kasi, dahil sa, or simula noong.
- Role-Play: Imagine you’re giving advice—start every sentence with a Tagalog “since” clause.
These steps will cement the difference in your brain—and before you know it, you’ll be sprinkling those markers like confetti.
Bonus Tips: Going the Extra Mile
- Use “pa” for extra punch: mula pa noong means “ever since.”
- If you want a softer causal tone, you can even combine: Dahil nga sa… (“Especially because…”).
- Experiment with inversion: Sometimes putting the verb first can feel more poetic:
- Listen for filler phrases—Tagalog speakers often slip in eh or nga around causal markers, adding flavor.
Wrapping Up: Your “Since” Game, Leveled Up
There you have it—no more gray area around “since.” By mastering mula noong and simula noong for timeframes, plus dahil sa, sapagkat, and kasi for reasons, you’ll speak with authority and flair. Remember—pause, choose your marker, then unleash that perfectly structured sentence.
Whether you’re penning a heartfelt letter, chatting over halo-halo, or delivering a TED-style talk in Taglish, you’ll now wield “since” with the confidence of a native speaker. Go forth, practice relentlessly, and let those Tagalog linkers roll off your tongue—at the drop of a hat.
Até lá, kaibigan—see you in the next deep dive on Taglish quirks!
