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mahika

mahíka with stress marks

magic

noun ma-HI-ka Arabic origin Less Common

Usage Note

Mahika refers to magic in its more mystical, supernatural, or literary sense — the kind found in folklore, fairy tales, and enchantment — as opposed to stage illusions (madyik). It appears in Filipino literature, children's stories, and film to evoke wonder and the supernatural. The word is thought to trace through Spanish to Arabic roots.

Examples

Beginner

" Gusto ko ang mahika. "

Natural Translation

I like magic.

Literal Translation

Like I the magic.

Intermediate

" Hindi totoo ang mahika. "

Natural Translation

Magic is not real.

Literal Translation

Not real the magic.

Advanced

" Sa kwentong-bayan, may mahika ang gubat na nagpapatulog sa sinumang papasok dito. "

Natural Translation

In the folktale, the forest has magic that puts to sleep anyone who enters it.

Literal Translation

In folktale, there-is magic the forest that puts-to-sleep to whoever enters here.

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