Learn Hardcore Filipino: Gusto ko ng masarap na kape.

ko is the shortened form of the pronoun that can mean my or I (in a possessive or object-marking sense). On the other hand, ako is the standalone subject pronoun meaning "I" used when you’re emphasizing the subject. In Gusto ko ng masarap na kape, the structure typically follows "Gusto + ko" ("I want"), rather than using the full pronoun ako directly after Gusto.

What does ng do in this sentence?

In Tagalog, ng often marks the direct object of the verb or indicates something you want, have, or are referring to without emphasis. It’s also used as a linking particle in certain constructions. Here, ng comes after ko to mark that "masarap na kape" (delicious coffee) is the object of the speaker’s desire.

Why is there a na before kape?

The word masarap (delicious) is an adjective. In Tagalog, when a noun is described by an adjective that ends in a consonant or a glottal stop, you often connect them with na (e.g., masarap na kape). This is a common pattern in Tagalog to link adjectives and nouns smoothly.

Is there a difference between saying Gusto ko ng masarap na kape and Gusto ko ng kape na masarap?

They both express a similar idea of wanting delicious coffee, but Gusto ko ng masarap na kape is the more natural order when simply describing the coffee as delicious. Gusto ko ng kape na masarap shifts the focus slightly and can sound more like "I want coffee which is delicious," but with less direct emphasis on "delicious." Both forms are understandable, but the first is more common.