habag
hábag with stress marks
compassion, mercy, pity
Usage Note
Habag expresses a deep, heartfelt sympathy that moves one to act — it carries stronger moral weight than simple pity, compelling a person to help. Often used in religious and literary contexts, it is closely associated with the Filipino value of malasakit, genuine concern for others.
Examples
" Wala siyang habag. "
Natural Translation
He has no mercy.
Literal Translation
None he compassion.
" May habag siya sa tao. "
Natural Translation
He/She has compassion for people.
Literal Translation
Has compassion he/she to person.
" Nang makita niya ang nagugutom na bata, naawa siya at napuno ng habag ang kanyang puso. "
Natural Translation
When she saw the hungry child, she took pity and her heart was filled with compassion.
Literal Translation
When saw she the hungry child, pitied she and was-filled of compassion the her heart.
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