katakataka
katakatáka with stress marks
miracle plant; surprising
Usage Note
Katakataka serves as both a botanical noun and an adjective: as a noun it names the Bryophyllum pinnatum succulent plant, widely used in Philippine folk medicine for wounds and respiratory ailments; as an adjective it means astonishing or wondrous — the plant is named for this quality. Both uses are common in everyday Filipino speech.
Examples
" May katakataka sa hardin. "
Natural Translation
There is a miracle plant in the garden.
Literal Translation
Has miracle-plant in-the garden.
" Ang katakataka ay ginagamit na lunas sa mga sugat. "
Natural Translation
The miracle plant is used as a remedy for wounds.
Literal Translation
The miracle-plant is used as remedy for wounds.
" Ipinapatong ng lola ang dahon ng katakataka sa sugat dahil naniniwala siyang mabisa itong panggamot. "
Natural Translation
Grandmother places the leaf of the miracle plant on the wound because she believes it is an effective remedy.
Literal Translation
Placing of-the grandmother the leaf of-the miracle-plant on-the wound because believing she-that effective this-as remedy.
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