malaking tao
powerful person
Also means
Can literally mean 'big person' referring to an adult or someone of large physical stature.
Usage Note
Malaking tao is used figuratively to refer to someone with social influence, political power, or high status. Invoking a malaking tao in a dispute signals deference to authority and is a common way to resolve conflicts informally in Filipino society.
Examples
" Malaking tao ang ama niya. "
Natural Translation
His/Her father is an influential person.
Literal Translation
Powerful person the father his/her.
" Siya ay malaking tao. "
Natural Translation
He/She is a powerful person.
Literal Translation
He/She is powerful person.
" Dahil malaking tao ang kanyang ninong, madali siyang nakapasok sa malaking kompanya. "
Natural Translation
Because his godfather is an influential person, he easily got into a big company.
Literal Translation
Because powerful person the his godfather, easily he got-in to big company.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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