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nakaw

nákaw with stress marks

steal; rob; stolen

verb noun NA-kaw Native origin Less Common

Also means

As an adjective or noun, 'nakaw' can describe stolen goods — 'gamit na nakaw' (stolen item).

Usage Note

Nakaw is the root word for theft in Tagalog, with verb forms including magnakaw to steal and nakawin to steal something specific. It is also used figuratively in literature and song — nakaw na sandali describes a stolen moment.

Examples

Beginner

" Nakaw ang relo niya. "

Natural Translation

His watch is stolen.

Literal Translation

Stolen the watch his.

Intermediate

" Hindi niya inamin na ang pera sa kanyang bulsa ay nakaw. "

Natural Translation

He/She did not admit that the money in his/her pocket was stolen.

Literal Translation

Not he/she admitted that the money in his/her pocket is stolen.

Advanced

" Hindi maganda ang kita mula sa nakaw, sapagkat madalas itong nauuwi sa kahihiyan at sa bilangguan. "

Natural Translation

Earnings from theft are no good, because they often end in shame and in prison.

Literal Translation

Not good the earnings from stolen, because often this ends-up in shame and in prison.

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