hingalo
hingálo with stress marks
state of near death
Usage Note
Hingalo describes the final labored breaths or death rattle of a dying person — the liminal state between life and death. It is a solemn, literary word used in elegies, prayers, and serious narrative. In medical contexts, 'nasa bangungot' or clinical terms are preferred; hingalo carries strong emotional and spiritual weight.
Examples
" Nasa hingalo na siya. "
Natural Translation
He is already at death's door.
Literal Translation
At near-death already he.
" Nasa hingalo na ang matanda nang dumating ang kanyang mga anak. "
Natural Translation
The old man was at death's door when his/her children arrived.
Literal Translation
At near-death already the old-man when arrived the his/her children.
" Nang nasa hingalo na ang kanyang ina, nagmamadali siyang umuwi upang makapagpaalam bago pa ito tuluyang mawala. "
Natural Translation
When his mother was already at death's door, he hurried home so he could say goodbye before she finally passed away.
Literal Translation
When at near-death already the his mother, hurrying he to-go-home so-as can-say-goodbye before still she completely disappear.
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