makikipagusap

Makikipagusap is a Filipino verb meaning to engage in a conversation with someone; to talk with or hold a dialogue. It is formed from the rootusap (conversation) with the prefix makipag-, which signals participation in the action with another person or group. The standard spelling is makipag-usap; makikipagusap is a variant found in some writers and informal contexts.

Usage and nuance: The term emphasizes initiating or continuing dialogue rather than speaking in isolation. It can refer to present or future actions depending on the sentence. Examples: Nakikipag-usap siya sa guro tungkol sa proyekto. (She is talking with the teacher about the project.) Makikipag-usap ako sa kanila mamaya. (I will talk with them later.) The noun form of the concept is pakikipag-usap or pag-uusap, referring to the act of conversing itself.

Grammatical forms and related terms: As a makipag- verb, makikipagusap participates in various aspect markers to express tense and mood, including makikipag-usap (future or contemplated action) and nakikipag-usap (present ongoing action). Related expressions include pakikipag-usap (the act of conversing) and pag-uusap (conversation in general).

See also: Usap; Pakikipag-usap; Pag-uusap.