When in Tagalog

“When” in Tagalog can be translated as “Kailan,” “Kung kailan,” or “Noong,” depending on whether you’re asking a question or referring to a time in the past or future. This essential time-related word helps express temporal relationships in Filipino conversations. Discover how to use this versatile term in various contexts below.

[Words] = When

[Definition]:

• When /wɛn/
• Adverb 1: At what time; on what occasion
• Conjunction 1: At or during the time that; as soon as
• Conjunction 2: After; at a time in the past
• Pronoun: What or which time

[Synonyms] = Kailan, Kung kailan, Noong, Sa oras na, Kapag

[Example]:

• Ex1_EN: When will you arrive at the airport?
• Ex1_PH: Kailan ka darating sa paliparan?
• Ex2_EN: I was sleeping when the phone rang.
• Ex2_PH: Natutulog ako noong tumunog ang telepono.
• Ex3_EN: Call me when you get home safely.
• Ex3_PH: Tawagan mo ako kapag nakauwi ka nang ligtas.
• Ex4_EN: When I was young, I loved playing outside.
• Ex4_PH: Noong bata pa ako, mahilig akong maglaro sa labas.
• Ex5_EN: She didn’t know when to stop talking.
• Ex5_PH: Hindi niya alam kung kailan titigil sa pagsasalita.