Usage Note
Batbat is a reduplicated-form adjective used to describe something that is thoroughly filled with or covered by something undesirable — wounds, errors, trash. It carries a vivid, emphatic quality typical of Tagalog reduplication and is more common in informal and literary registers.
Examples
" Batikan siyang doktor. "
Natural Translation
He/She is an expert doctor.
Literal Translation
Expert he/she-that doctor.
" Batbat ng sugat ang kanyang katawan matapos ang laro. "
Natural Translation
His/Her body was covered in wounds after the game.
Literal Translation
Full-of wounds the his/her body after the game.
" Tinanong ng mga reporter ang batikang abogado kung paano niya napanalunan ang napakahirap na kaso. "
Natural Translation
The reporters asked the veteran lawyer how he managed to win the extremely difficult case.
Literal Translation
Asked by-the reporters the expert lawyer how he won the very-hard case.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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