AFFIXES
There is a standard set of affixes which Bikol root words are able to take. Those affixes which are not predictable from any other set of affixes are included with the entry. The other affixes are not. The form of the affixes shown in the dictionary is always the infinitive.
When the root word itself is translated directly into English without any affixation, this translation is given directly after the word. All other translations are given after the root plus its affixes.
For example, the entry for ABÁNTE is given as follows:
ABÁNTE MAG- to go forward; MAG-, I- to move something forward; PA-forward (the direction) 26
This is an abbreviation for the following series of entries:
MAGABÁNTE to go forward
MAGABÁNTE, IABÁNTE to move something forward
PAABÁNTE forward (the direction)
The affixes for transitive verbs are given in pairs. The first affix of the pair indicates that the actor is the focus of attention in the sentence.
Nagabánte akó nin aúto.
I moved the car forward.
The second indicates that the focus of attention is the object.
Iniabánte ko an aúto.
I moved the car forward.
Intransitive verbs take only one affix, and that is usually MAG-.
Nagabánte an aúto.
The car moved forward.
Verbs which may be either transitive or intransitive are not always given with separate affix entries. In these cases assume that if the English may be either transitive or intransitive, so it is with Bikol.
TUKDÓ’ MAG-, I- to teach (something)
This is an abbreviation for the intransitive
Nagtukdó’ akó.
I taught.
and the transitive
Nagtukdó’ akó nin math.
I taught math.
Itinukdó’ ko an math.
I taught math.
Transitive verbs have three possible affix pairs. These are shown below with examples. 27
APÓD MAG-, -ON to call
This abbreviates MAGAPÓD and APODÓN.
ABÁNTE MAG-, I- to move something forward
This abbreviates MAGABÁNTE, IABÁNTE.
LÍNIG MAG-, -AN to clean
This abbreviates MAGLÍNIG and LÍNÍGAN.
All of the above forms are infinitives (so-called for convenience).
When two affixes are used to indicate the same meaning when affixed to the same verb base, both are given, with the one most commonly used appearing first.
ABRÍ MAG-, -ON or MAG-, I- to open
The passive voice takes the same affixes as the active. It is only the English translation which will be different.
Hinalí’ an ko siyá nin kuárta.
I deprived him of money or
He was deprived of money by me.
A locative meaning in English may always be formed by adding the locative suffix -AN to a Bikol root.
DUMÁN MAG- to go; -AN to go (to)
Nagdumán akó sa eskuelahán.
I went to school.
Pigdumanán ko an eskuelahán.
I went to school.
The locative suffix -AN may also place the focus of attention in a sentence on the indirect object. For example, the entry for ‘to teach’ indicates the actor and object focuses.
TUKDÓ’ MAG-, I- to teach (something)
Nagtukdó’ akó nin math.
I taught math.
Itinukdó’ ko an math.
I taught math. 28
The affix -AN indicates to whom something is taught.
Tinukdo’án ko siyá nin math.
I taught him math.
There are some cases where the Bikol root will not be affixed, only preceded by a particular word. These words are not preceded nor followed by a hyphen.
ÁKI’ child; GARÓ childish
ABOGÁDO lawyer; MAGÍN to become a lawyer