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gatla

gatlâ with stress marks

mark, facial lines

noun gat-LA Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Gatla refers to visible marks or lines on the skin, especially wrinkles, creases, or scar-like marks on the face. It is used with a neutral to slightly negative tone, often describing signs of aging or stress. In literary Tagalog, it can evoke a face weathered by hardship.

Examples

Beginner

" May gatla sa mukha ng matanda. "

Natural Translation

There are lines on the old man's face.

Literal Translation

Has lines on face of-the old-one.

Intermediate

" Kita ang gatla sa balat ng kahoy. "

Natural Translation

The mark on the tree bark is visible.

Literal Translation

Visible the mark in skin of wood.

Advanced

" Sa bawat gatla na nakaukit sa kanyang mukha ay maaaninag ang mga taon ng pagsisikap at pagtitiis na kanyang dinaanan. "

Natural Translation

In every line etched on his face, one can glimpse the years of struggle and endurance that he went through.

Literal Translation

In each line that etched on his face is glimpsed the years of struggle and endurance that he went-through.

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