datu
datù with stress marks
chief of a village
Usage Note
Datu was the title of a chieftain or noble in pre-colonial Philippine society, equivalent to a local ruler or lord. The term is still actively used among Mindanao's indigenous and Muslim communities, where datus hold both political and spiritual authority. It also survives as a component of personal names and surnames.
Examples
" Marunong ang datu. "
Natural Translation
The chief is wise.
Literal Translation
Wise the chief.
" Ang datu ang nagpasya para sa buong barangay. "
Natural Translation
The chieftain made decisions for the entire village.
Literal Translation
The chief the one-who-decided for the whole barangay.
" Iginagalang ng mga tao ang datu dahil siya ang humahatol sa anumang alitan sa loob ng kanilang pamayanan. "
Natural Translation
The people respect the chief because he is the one who settles any dispute within their community.
Literal Translation
Respected by the [plural] people the chief because he the one-who-judges at any dispute in inside of their community.
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