duwag
duwág with stress marks
coward; fainthearted
Usage Note
Duwag is a strong term of reproach for someone who lacks bravery or avoids confrontation out of fear. Calling someone duwag is a significant insult in Filipino culture, where courage and willingness to stand up for oneself or one's family is highly valued — its opposite is matapang.
Examples
" Duwag ka kasi takot ka. "
Natural Translation
You're a coward because you're scared.
Literal Translation
Coward you because scared you.
" Huwag kang maging duwag — harapin mo ang iyong mga problema. "
Natural Translation
Don't be a coward — face your problems.
Literal Translation
Don't you be coward — face you the your problems.
" Hindi siya duwag — pinili lang niyang tumahimik para hindi lumala ang gulo sa kanilang pamilya. "
Natural Translation
He's not a coward — he just chose to stay quiet so the trouble in their family wouldn't get worse.
Literal Translation
Not he coward — chose just he-that to-stay-quiet so-that not worsen the trouble in their family.
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