In learning baybayin, one of the important things to know to compose a full sentence is the Patinig or vowels. The difference between the English alphabet and baybayin is the number of characters whereas the English alphabet has 5 and baybayin only has 3.
In this short course, we’ll show you two things: how to write and how to use Patinig.
How to write Patinig in baybayin
Writing baybayin character for Patinig 'a'
Writing: The character uses two strokes; the first is like a U; the second is the little stroke across the first curve of the first stroke. Refer to the video below to see how we write it.
How to use it: The character ‘a’ for baybayin is only used for words that starts with letter ‘a’. For example: “Araw” (or sun in english), “Aso” (or dog in english)
💡Important note! Before writing in baybayin, make sure that the words are converted to their Filipino pronunciation. For example, the name “John” would be “Dyan” as it is the way it is pronounced and spelled in Filipino. It’s also important to know the language where the script is originated 😉
Writing baybayin character for Patinig 'e' and 'i'
Writing: The character uses two strokes; the first is like a horizontal S; the second is like a little wave below the first stroke. Refer to the video below to see how we write it.
How to use it: These characters are only used for words that start with the letters ‘i’ or ‘e’. For example: “Ibon” (or bird in english), “Ilog” (or river in english), “Edisyon” (or edition in english)
Writing baybayin character for Patinig 'o' and 'u'
Writing: The character uses one stroke; like writing number 3. Refer to the video below to see how we write it.
How to use it: The character ‘o’ or ‘u’ for baybayin is only used for words that starts with letter ‘i’. For example: “Ibon” (or bird in english), “Ilog” (or river in english)
Writing: The character uses one stroke; like writing number 3. Refer to the video below to see how we write it.
How to use it: These characters are only used for words that start with the letters ‘o’ or ‘u’. For example: “Oras” (or time in english), “Ulan” (or rain in english), “Uwak” (or crow in english)
How to use Patinig in baybayin
The important rule in writing baybayin is to always translate the word to its Filipino word before writing. If it’s an English name or word, translate it into its Filipino words, or if it doesn’t have one, use the syllables on how it is pronounced. For example, the name “John” would be “Dyan” in Filipino version.
“Dyan” is the correct word/name to translate and be written in baybayin.
Using baybayin character for Patinig 'a'
Using baybayin character for Patinig 'e' and 'i'
Using baybayin character for Patinig 'o' and 'u'
All of the copies mentioned above are learned from baybayin workshops and researched attended. If you have additional knowledge you’d like to suggest or questions you want to ask, you can comment below and include your email address so we can reach out to you. If you think of someone who would like to know this, feel free to click the share button below for Facebook / Twitter page or copy the link of this article. Salamat at mabuhay! Ipagpatuloy ang pagba-baybay.
