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Questions & Answers about Oo, tama ka.
How do I pronounce the word Oo?
- It has two syllables: o-o. Do not stretch it into one long vowel.
- Make a tiny break between the two o’s, like the break in English “uh-oh” but without the “uh”: [ʔo.ʔo].
- Think “oh–oh” said quickly and smoothly.
Why is it spelled with two o’s? Is a single O okay?
- Oo (two o’s) is the word for “yes.”
- A single O is a different interjection used to call attention (like “Hey,” in “O, kumain ka na?”). Don’t use O when you mean “yes.”
When should I use Oo versus Opo?
- Oo = plain/casual “yes.”
- Opo = respectful/polite “yes,” used with elders, superiors, or strangers.
- Keep the whole sentence consistent: casual “Oo, tama ka.” Polite “Opo, tama po kayo.”
What about po/ho and Oho?
- po is the standard politeness particle; ho is a regional/colloquial variant (common in Manila).
- Oho is a polite “yes,” parallel to opo, but opo is more common.
- Match politeness throughout: “Opo, tama po kayo.” or “Oho, tama ho kayo.”
Why is there a comma after Oo?
- It marks the natural pause after “Yes,” just like in English.
- You can also write two sentences: “Oo. Tama ka.” Both are fine.
Why is it tama ka and not ka tama?
- Tagalog prefers predicate-first order. The adjective tama (right/correct) is the predicate and ka (you) follows it.
- ka is an enclitic pronoun and cannot start a sentence.
Can I say Ikaw ay tama or Ikaw ang tama?
- Ikaw ay tama is grammatical but sounds formal or literary.
- Ikaw ang tama emphasizes contrast (“you are the one who is right”).
- Neutral, everyday speech uses Tama ka.
What’s the difference between ka and kayo here?
- ka = you (singular, informal).
- kayo = you (plural) or polite singular. Use kayo for respect.
- Polite version: Tama po kayo. Avoid mixing registers like “Opo, tama ka.”
Can I add particles like po, nga, or naman? What do they do?
- po/ho: add respect. Example: “Tama po kayo.”
- nga: “indeed/you’re right (I concede).” Example: “Oo nga, tama ka.”
- naman: softens/“you are right, though.” Example: “Tama ka naman.”
- You can combine them politely: “Opo, tama nga po kayo.”
How do I ask “Am I right?” or “Are you right?” in Tagalog?
- “Am I right?” = Tama ba ako?
- “Are you right?” (informal singular) = Tama ka ba?
- Polite: Tama po ba kayo?
Where is the stress in tama?
- On the first syllable: TA-ma. Say “TA-ma,” not “ta-MA.”
- In this sense (“correct/right”), there’s no final glottal stop.
Are there common synonyms for tama?
- wasto = proper/correct (more formal): “Wasto ang sagot mo.”
- tumpak = exact/precise: “Tumpak ka diyan!” (Right on!)
- sakto = exactly/right on (colloquial): “Sakto ka diyan!”
How do I use tama before a noun, or intensify it?
- Before a noun, use the linker: tamang. Examples: tamang sagot (correct answer), hindi tamang oras (not the right time).
- To intensify: tamang-tama = exactly right. Example: “Tamang-tama ka.”
What’s the negative counterpart?
- “No, you’re wrong.” = Hindi, mali ka.
- Polite: Hindi po, mali po kayo.
- mali = wrong/incorrect.
What intonation should I use?
- As a statement, use falling intonation: “Oo, tama ka.” ↘
- With enthusiasm: “Oo, tama ka!”
- Rising on Oo? can mean “Really?” or a confirmatory “Yes?”
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Writing O instead of Oo for “yes.”
- Pronouncing Oo as one long vowel instead of two syllables.
- Mixing politeness levels (e.g., “Opo, tama ka”). Keep it consistently casual or polite.
- Starting a sentence with ka, which is ungrammatical.
Can I drop ka and just say Tama?
- Yes. Tama alone (“Right/Correct.”) is natural in context when it’s clear who you’re agreeing with.