kabilan
lopsided, unbalanced
Usage Note
Kabilan describes something that leans or tilts to one side, whether physically — a crooked frame, uneven weight distribution — or figuratively, such as a biased judgment. It is used in practical everyday speech when assessing whether something is properly aligned, and a carpenter or cook might say something is kabilan when adjusting an object.
Examples
" Kabilan ang larawan sa dingding. "
Natural Translation
The picture on the wall is lopsided.
Literal Translation
Lopsided the picture on-the wall.
" Kabilan ang lamesa — kailangan nating ituwid. "
Natural Translation
The table is lopsided — we need to straighten it.
Literal Translation
Lopsided the table — need ours to-straighten-it.
" Napansin ng karpintero na kabilan ang istante dahil hindi pantay ang sahig kung saan ito nakapatong. "
Natural Translation
The carpenter noticed that the shelf was lopsided because the floor it rested on was uneven.
Literal Translation
Noticed by-the carpenter that lopsided the shelf because not level the floor where it rested.
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