kahig
káhig with stress marks
scratch
Usage Note
Kahig primarily refers to the scratching motion of a chicken or animal foraging on the ground — a familiar sight in Philippine rural life. By extension it describes the act of scraping or clawing for something, and is used figuratively to mean barely scraping by economically. The phrase 'kahig nang kahig' conveys the image of relentless, exhausting effort just to survive.
Examples
" Malakas ang kahig ng manok sa lupa. "
Natural Translation
The chicken's scratching at the ground is vigorous.
Literal Translation
Strong the scratching of-the chicken on-the ground.
" Kita ang kahig sa lupa. "
Natural Translation
The scratch on the ground is visible.
Literal Translation
Visible the scratch on-the ground.
" Ang manok na palaboy ay walang tigil sa kahig sa lupa, na para bang naghahanap ng anumang makakain sa buong maghapon. "
Natural Translation
The stray chicken never stops scratching at the ground, as if searching for anything to eat all day long.
Literal Translation
The chicken that stray is no stop in scratch on-the ground, that like searching of whatever can-eat in whole day.
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