Nakaraang

Nakaraang is a Filipino word that functions as an adjective meaning "past," "previous," or "the former." It is used to refer to the most recent completed time frame or event and typically modifies a time noun to indicate the immediate prior period.

In everyday Filipino, nakaraang is most commonly attached before time expressions. It appears in phrases such as nakaraang linggo (last week), nakaraang buwan (last month), nakaraang taon (last year), and nakaraang panahon (the previous period). It can also describe earlier instances of events or conditions, as in nakaraang isyu (the previous issue) or nakaraang pagsubok (the prior challenge). The form is versatile and widely used in both spoken and written language, including journalism, history, and everyday conversation.

Etymology and related usage: nakaraang derives from the concept of the past in Filipino. It can be contrasted with words that refer to the present or future, helping speakers situate statements temporally. While nakaraang specifies the immediately preceding time frame, Tagalog speakers may choose different expressions to convey subtle distinctions in time depending on context.

Examples:

- Naganap ang programa noong nakaraang linggo.

- Napili ang bagong proyekto sa nakaraang taon.

- May mga dokumento tungkol sa nakaraang panahon ng industriya.

Overall, nakaraang is a common, neutral term for marking the past in Philippine languages, straightforwardly linking a statement to a prior time reference.