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katinig

katínig with stress marks

consonant

noun ka-TI-nig Native origin Less Common

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

Beginner

" Ang 'k' ay isang katinig. "

Natural Translation

The 'k' is a consonant.

Literal Translation

The 'k' is one consonant.

Intermediate

" 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.

Advanced

" 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.

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