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hukbong-dagat

hukbóng-dágat with stress marks

navy

noun huk-BONG DA-gat Compound origin Rare

Usage Note

Hukbong-dagat is the formal Tagalog compound for the navy, literally meaning 'sea army.' It is used in official government contexts and formal writing. In everyday speech, Filipinos often use 'navy' (the English loanword) instead, but hukbong-dagat appears in civic education and formal media.

Examples

Beginner

" Sundalo siya sa hukbong-dagat. "

Natural Translation

He is a soldier in the navy.

Literal Translation

Soldier he in navy.

Intermediate

" Malakas ang ating hukbong-dagat. "

Natural Translation

Our navy is strong.

Literal Translation

Strong the our navy.

Advanced

" Ang hukbong-dagat ang nangunguna sa pagbabantay ng ating mga karagatan laban sa mga mananalakay. "

Natural Translation

The navy takes the lead in guarding our seas against invaders.

Literal Translation

The navy the leading in-the guarding of our (plural) sea against (plural) invader.

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