kurakot
kurakót with stress marks
to steal; corrupt
Usage Note
Kurakot refers specifically to corruption and graft, especially by public officials, and is one of the most politically charged words in Tagalog. It is widely used in news, social media, and public discourse about government corruption, functioning as both a verb and an adjective.
Examples
" Huwag kang kumurakot ng pera. "
Natural Translation
Don't steal money.
Literal Translation
Don't you steal of money.
" Maraming opisyal ang nag-kurakot ng pondo ng bayan. "
Natural Translation
Many officials stole from the public funds.
Literal Translation
Many officials stole of-the funds of-the public.
" Galit ang mga tao sa mga opisyal na kumukurakot ng pondo na dapat sana ay para sa mga mahihirap. "
Natural Translation
People are angry at the officials who are stealing funds that should have been for the poor.
Literal Translation
Angry the [mga] people at-the [mga] officials who stealing of funds that should hopefully is for the [mga] poor.
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