kalaban
kalában with stress marks
enemy
From root: laban
Usage Note
Kalaban is derived from the root laban (fight, against) with the ka- prefix indicating a counterpart. It ranges in register from 'enemy' in conflict contexts to 'opponent' in sports or competition. The word is very common in news, politics, and sports commentary.
Examples
" Malakas ang kalaban natin. "
Natural Translation
Our opponent is strong.
Literal Translation
Strong the opponent our.
" Ang kalaban ng koponan namin ay malakas. "
Natural Translation
Our team's opponent is strong.
Literal Translation
The opponent of-the team our is strong.
" Kahit malakas ang kalaban, hindi sumuko ang aming koponan at nagsikap hanggang sa huling minuto ng laro. "
Natural Translation
Even though the opponent was strong, our team did not give up and strove until the last minute of the game.
Literal Translation
Even-though strong the opponent, not gave-up the our team and strove until the last minute of game.
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How Tagalog words workWord family
laban has 1 related form built from the same root.
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