Learn Hardcore Filipino: Mabuti para sa bata ang maglaro sa bakuran. - It is good for a child to play in the yard.

In Filipino, when stating a general truth or habitual action, you often use the actor‑focus neutral verb (mag‑ + root) without tense markers. It’s similar to the English gerund “playing.” Here maglaro means “to play” in a general sense, not “played” or “is playing.”

What role does ang have before maglaro sa bakuran?

Ang is a subject/topic marker. By placing ang before the verb phrase maglaro sa bakuran, you turn the whole phrase into the subject of the sentence. The structure is:
• Predicate/comment first (Mabuti para sa bata)
• Subject second (ang maglaro sa bakuran)

Why does the sentence start with Mabuti para sa bata instead of the subject?

Filipino often uses a predicate‑subject word order, especially in impersonal or general statements. Starting with Mabuti para sa bata (“It is good for the child”) sets up the comment or evaluation, and then the subject follows.

What exactly does para sa bata mean?

Para sa bata literally means “for the child.”
• para = for/to (indicating purpose or beneficiary)
• sa = a preposition linking para to its object
• bata = child
Together, they show who benefits from the action.

Can we replace mabuti with maganda?

No. Mabuti refers to moral goodness, suitability, or benefit (“good/beneficial”). Maganda refers to visual appeal or beauty (“beautiful/pleasant to look at”). Since we’re talking about what’s beneficial for the child, mabuti is correct.

What is the function of sa in sa bakuran?

Sa is a locative preposition that indicates location. In sa bakuran, it means “in the yard” or “at the yard.”
• bakuran = yard
• sa bakuran = in/at the yard

Could we say Mabuti para sa bata na maglaro sa bakuran?

You can add na to link clauses in some contexts, but it’s not needed here. The simpler Mabuti para sa bata ang maglaro sa bakuran is more natural for a general statement. Adding na may sound like you’re connecting two distinct clauses rather than making one unified comment.

Is bata singular or can it refer to all children?

Grammatically, bata is singular (“child”). However, in a general statement like this, it can imply children in general (like saying “a child” or “children” in English when speaking generically). If you want to make it explicitly plural, you could say mga bata (“children”).

Why isn’t the verb marked for aspect or tense?

Because the sentence expresses a general truth or recommendation rather than a specific event in time. For that, Filipino prefers the neutral form (mag‑ + root) without aspectual affixes (like nag‑ or na‑), similar to the English infinitive or gerund.