dangkal
dangkál with stress marks
measure using thumb and forefinger
Usage Note
Dangkal is a traditional Filipino unit of measurement — the span between the extended thumb and index finger, roughly 7–9 inches depending on the person's hand. It is used in traditional crafts, cooking, and folk measurement alongside the 'dipa' (arm span) and 'hakbang' (stride). Still encountered in rural and artisanal contexts.
Examples
" Isang dangkal ang haba nito. "
Natural Translation
Its length is one hand-span.
Literal Translation
One thumb-span the length of-this.
" Sukatin mo ang tela gamit ang dangkal. "
Natural Translation
Measure the fabric using your thumb-to-forefinger span.
Literal Translation
Measure you the fabric using the dangkal.
" Tinuruan ako ng lola kong gumamit ng dangkal sa pagsukat ng tela dahil noong araw ay wala silang panukat na metro. "
Natural Translation
My grandmother taught me to use the hand-span to measure fabric because back in the day they did not have a measuring tape.
Literal Translation
Taught me by-the grandmother my to use of thumb-span in measuring of fabric because during day is none they measuring-tool meter.
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