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maligno

malígno with stress marks

evil spirit

noun ma-LIG-no Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Maligno is a Spanish loanword referring to a malevolent supernatural entity that causes harm or illness in Filipino folk belief. When someone is suspected of being afflicted by a maligno, an albularyo is typically consulted for diagnosis and ritual treatment.

Examples

Beginner

" Takot siya sa maligno. "

Natural Translation

He/She is afraid of evil spirits.

Literal Translation

Afraid he/she of evil-spirit.

Intermediate

" Natakot siya sa maligno. "

Natural Translation

He/She was scared of the evil spirit.

Literal Translation

Scared he/she to evil spirit.

Advanced

" Naniniwala ang lola na may maligno sa malaking puno kaya bawal kaming maglaro doon. "

Natural Translation

Grandmother believes there is an evil spirit in the big tree, so we are not allowed to play there.

Literal Translation

Believes the grandmother that have evil-spirit in big tree so forbidden we play there.

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