Ano

This is the equivalent of the English word what. It is followed by an ANG-phrase (phrase that is in focus) and may be answered by a simple nominal, adjectival, or verbal sentence. When the anticipated response is a plural noun-phrase, some speakers use the question word anu-ano. In other words, if only one thing is asked about, then the word ano is used. If more than one thing is asked about, then anu-ano is used. Here are some examples:

Ano ang pangalan mo?
Maria (ang pangalan ko).

Ano ang "major" mo?
Kasaysayan (ang "major" ko).

Ano ang ginawa mo noong Sabado?
Pumunta ako sa Laguna noong Sabado.

Ano ang pinanood ninyo kahapon?
Pinanood namin ang "Ifugaw" kahapon.

Anu-ano ang dala mo?
Mga prutas at gulay (ang dala ko).

Anu-ano ang sinabi ng tatay?
Sinabi niya na huwag kang iinom ng alak at umuwi ka ng maaga.

 What is your name?
(My name is) Maria.

What is your major?                        
(My major is) history.

What did you do last Saturday?
I went to Laguna last Saturday.


What did you watch yesterday?
We watched "Ifugaw" yesterday.

What do you have there?
(I have) fruits and vegetables (here).

What did Dad say?
He said that you should not have liquor and you have to go home early.