alagaan

Alagaan is a Filipino verb meaning to take care of or to nurture, and can also convey protecting or looking after someone or something. It is used in a wide range of caregiving contexts, including health, upbringing, daily maintenance, and responsibilities toward property, animals, or people.

Etymology and form: Alagaan derives from the root alaga, meaning care or upbringing, with the suffix -an to form a transitive verb. It is commonly used with ang to mark the direct object, for example, alagaan ang kalusugan or alagaan ang halaman. The act of caring can also be expressed as pag-aalaga (the act or practice of caring).

Usage and examples: The verb appears in sentences such as "Kailangan mong alagaan ang kalusugan mo" (You need to take care of your health) and "Aalagaan ko ang mga alagang hayop habang wala ka" (I will take care of the pets while you are away). It can be extended to family members, pets, plants, and even one’s reputation or belongings.

Cultural context: In Filipino households, caregiving is a common responsibility shared among family members. The word alaga also functions as a noun, referring to a dependent or ward who is under someone’s care, which highlights the social dimension of caregiving in Filipino culture.

Related terms: alaga (care, dependent), pag-aalaga (care, nurturing), alagaan (infinitive or future-oriented form depending on context). These terms form part of a broader vocabulary around responsibility, nurture, and guardianship in Filipino.