alakdan
alákdan with stress marks
scorpion
Usage Note
Alakdan is the native Tagalog word for scorpion, found in parts of the Philippines and known in folklore as a dangerous creature. It also names the zodiac sign Scorpio in Filipino astrology.
Examples
" May alakdan sa ilalim ng bato. "
Natural Translation
There is a scorpion under the rock.
Literal Translation
Has scorpion at underside of-the rock.
" Maingat kang lumakad sa bundok; baka may alakdan. "
Natural Translation
Walk carefully in the mountains; there might be scorpions.
Literal Translation
Careful you walk in-the mountain; maybe has scorpion.
" Bago ka magsuot ng sapatos sa probinsya, ipagpag mo muna ito dahil baka may nakatagong alakdan sa loob. "
Natural Translation
Before you put on shoes in the province, shake them out first because there might be a scorpion hiding inside.
Literal Translation
Before you wear of shoes in-the province, shake-out you first it because maybe has hidden scorpion at inside.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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