perpektibo

Perpektibo is a category of verb aspect used in Filipino languages to indicate that an action has been completed with respect to a reference time. It is part of the broader aspectual system that contrasts with imperfective forms, which describe actions that are ongoing, habitual, or not yet completed.

In Tagalog and related Austronesian languages, the perfective can be expressed through a variety of verbal forms and particles. It signals that the event is finished and often leaves a result or consequence visible in the present context. For example, Kumain na ako means “I have eaten” or “I ate already,” with the na particle marking completion. The forms kinain, kainin, or nakain show completed actions in passive or resultative constructions, depending on voice and verb class. The exact morphology varies by verb and dialect, so there is no single universal template.

Across languages in the region, the concept of a perfective/aspect category exists under different labels but with a similar function: marking a completed action and differentiating it from ongoing or repeated actions. In this sense, perpektibo aligns with the broader typology of perfective aspect found in many Austronesian languages, including Indonesian and Malay, where a parallel category (perfektif) serves a comparable role.

In summary, perpektibo denotes completed action within a time frame relative to reference points, shaping interpretation of when and how events occur, and it interacts with other aspects to convey timing, focus, and emphasis.