Usage Note
Kaagaw is derived from agaw (to grab or snatch) with the ka- prefix, meaning someone who competes for the same thing. It is more vivid and adversarial than kalaban (opponent), implying active rivalry for a shared prize in business, romance, or sports.
Examples
" Siya ang kaagaw ko. "
Natural Translation
He is my competitor.
Literal Translation
He the competitor my.
" Nasaan ang iyong kaagaw sa premyo? "
Natural Translation
Where is your competitor for the prize?
Literal Translation
Where the your competitor in-the prize?
" Bagaman matagal na silang magkaagaw sa negosyo, nagkasundo sila nang harapin ang mas malaking kalaban. "
Natural Translation
Although they have long been competitors in business, they came to an agreement when they faced a bigger rival.
Literal Translation
Although long-time already they competitors in business, agreed they when faced the more big rival.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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