Magtanong

Magtanong is a Tagalog verb meaning to ask or inquire. It is formed from the root tanong, meaning “question,” with the prefix mag-, which marks the actor performing the action. The infinitive magtanong expresses the general act of asking, as in sentences like Gusto kong magtanong.

In everyday use, magtanong is commonly conjugated to reflect aspect. Nagtatanong means “is asking” or “asks currently,” as in Nagtatanong siya tungkol sa proyekto. Nagtanong means “asked” (past), as in Nagtanong ang estudyante tungkol sa eksamen. Magtatanong is used to indicate future action, as in Magtatanong ako mamaya.

Magtanong is typically directed at another person or source of information. The indirect object or target is usually introduced with a preposition like kay or sa: Magtanong ka kay Tito tungkol sa oras ng meeting, or Magtanong ako sa receptionist para sa direksyon. In polite speech, speakers often soften the request with phrases such as Pwede ba akong magtanong? or Maari ba akong magtanong?

Common usage notes: magtanong can pair with kung, paano, saan, at why phrases to form questions. It also appears in instruction or guidance contexts, encouraging someone to seek information. Although it literally means “to ask,” its nuance includes inquiry for clarification, information, or guidance rather than merely posing a riddle.