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lagay

lagáy with stress marks

condition; status; to put

noun verb la-GAY Native origin Less Common

Also means

Lagay is also used colloquially to mean a bribe, as in maglagay ng pera (to pay a bribe), especially in dealings with government officials.

Usage Note

Lagay is one of the most versatile words in everyday Tagalog. As a noun it means one's situation or state; as a verb it means to place or put something somewhere. Its colloquial meaning of bribery reflects a candid acknowledgment of a social reality in Filipino life, discussed openly in conversation.

Examples

Beginner

" Kumusta ang lagay mo? "

Natural Translation

How is your condition?

Literal Translation

How the condition your?

Intermediate

" Ano ang lagay ng panahon ngayon? "

Natural Translation

What is the weather condition today?

Literal Translation

What the condition of weather now?

Advanced

" Tinanong ko siya tungkol sa lagay ng kanyang kalusugan matapos ang mahabang operasyon. "

Natural Translation

I asked him about the state of his health after the long operation.

Literal Translation

Asked I him about the condition of his health after the long operation.

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