katinig
katínig with stress marks
consonant
Usage Note
Katinig is the native Tagalog term for a consonant, used in grammar and language education. The Filipino alphabet taught in schools is called the 'Alpabetong Filipino,' and understanding katinig versus 'patinig' (vowel) is foundational. The word is a calque built from 'tinig' (sound/voice) with the prefix 'ka-' indicating companion or counterpart.
Examples
" Ang 'k' ay isang katinig. "
Natural Translation
The 'k' is a consonant.
Literal Translation
The 'k' is one consonant.
" Ang titik na 'b' ay isang katinig sa alpabeto. "
Natural Translation
The letter 'b' is a consonant in the alphabet.
Literal Translation
The letter 'b' is a consonant in-the alphabet.
" Itinuro ng guro na may labinlimang katinig at limang patinig sa lumang alpabetong Tagalog. "
Natural Translation
The teacher taught that there are fifteen consonants and five vowels in the old Tagalog alphabet.
Literal Translation
Taught of teacher that there fifteen consonant and five vowel at old alphabet Tagalog.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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