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mate

máte with stress marks

checkmate (chess)

noun MA-te Spanish origin Rare

Usage Note

Mate is borrowed from Spanish 'mate', itself from Persian via Arabic, and is used specifically in chess contexts in the Philippines. It is often heard in parks and community chess clubs, where the game is a popular pastime.

Examples

Beginner

" Mate na, panalo ako. "

Natural Translation

Checkmate, I win.

Literal Translation

Checkmate now, winner I.

Intermediate

" Nagulat siya nang ideklara ang mate sa laro ng ahedres. "

Natural Translation

He/She was surprised when checkmate was declared in the chess game.

Literal Translation

Surprised he/she when declared the checkmate in-the game of chess.

Advanced

" Matapos ang mahabang laban sa ahedres, idineklara ng matandang manlalaro ang mate at tahimik na yumukod ang kalaban niya. "

Natural Translation

After the long chess match, the old player declared checkmate and his opponent quietly bowed.

Literal Translation

After the long match in chess, declared by-the old [na] player the checkmate and quietly [na] bowed the opponent his.

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