kalasag
kalásag with stress marks
shield
Usage Note
Kalasag was the traditional wooden or rattan shield used by pre-colonial Filipino warriors. Today it is a culturally resonant word symbolizing protection and defense, used in names of government agencies (e.g., Kalasag program for disaster resilience) and advocacy campaigns. It rarely refers to a physical shield in contemporary speech.
Examples
" Hawak ng sundalo ang kalasag. "
Natural Translation
The soldier holds the shield.
Literal Translation
Held of-the soldier the shield.
" Ang kalasag ng bayani ay gawa sa kahoy at niyog. "
Natural Translation
The hero's shield was made of wood and coconut.
Literal Translation
The shield of-the hero is made of wood and coconut.
" Sa mga kuwento ng ating mga ninuno, ang kalasag ay hindi lamang sandata kundi simbolo rin ng tapang at karangalan ng mandirigma. "
Natural Translation
In the stories of our ancestors, the shield was not only a weapon but also a symbol of the warrior's courage and honor.
Literal Translation
In the stories of our ancestors, the shield is not only weapon but symbol also of courage and honor of-the warrior.
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