bukong-bukong
bukóng-bukóng with stress marks
ankle
Usage Note
Bukong-bukong is the standard Tagalog term for the ankle — the bony joint connecting the foot to the leg. It is a reduplicated form, a common word-formation pattern in Filipino for body parts and natural objects. The term is used in both medical and everyday contexts.
Examples
" Napilay ang aking bukong-bukong. "
Natural Translation
My ankle got sprained.
Literal Translation
Sprained the my ankle.
" Masakit ang aking bukong-bukong. "
Natural Translation
My ankle is painful.
Literal Translation
Painful the my ankle.
" Hindi siya nakalaro sa final dahil namaga ang kanyang bukong-bukong nang madapa siya habang nagsasanay kahapon. "
Natural Translation
He couldn't play in the final because his ankle swelled up when he tripped during practice yesterday.
Literal Translation
Not he able-to-play in final because swelled the his ankle when tripped he while practicing yesterday.
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