kalansay
kalansáy with stress marks
skeleton
Usage Note
Kalansay is the standard Tagalog word for skeleton and is used in both educational (anatomy, biology) and colloquial contexts. The phrase 'parang kalansay' (like a skeleton) is a common hyperbole for someone who is extremely thin. It also appears in folklore and horror imagery.
Examples
" Payat na payat siya, parang kalansay. "
Natural Translation
He is so thin, like a skeleton.
Literal Translation
Thin very he, like skeleton.
" Ipinakita ng guro ang kalansay ng tao sa klase. "
Natural Translation
The teacher showed the human skeleton to the class.
Literal Translation
Showed the teacher the skeleton of-the human to-the class.
" Natakot ang mga bata nang makita nila ang kalansay na nakasabit sa pinto noong gabi ng Halloween. "
Natural Translation
The children got scared when they saw the skeleton hanging on the door on Halloween night.
Literal Translation
Got-scared the children when saw they the skeleton that hanging on door during night of Halloween.
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