magnanakaw
magnanakáw with stress marks
thief
From root: nakaw
Usage Note
Magnanakaw is the standard word for a thief or robber and is used across all registers, from news reports to everyday conversation. It is formed through reduplication and the mag- actor-focus prefix on the root 'nakaw' (to steal). The word carries a strong negative moral judgment and is freely used to describe petty criminals as well as corrupt officials.
Examples
" Nahuli ang magnanakaw kahapon. "
Natural Translation
The thief was caught yesterday.
Literal Translation
Caught the thief yesterday.
" Nahuli ang magnanakaw. "
Natural Translation
The thief was caught.
Literal Translation
Caught the thief.
" Hinabol ng mga pulis ang magnanakaw na tumakas matapos nitong nakawan ang isang tindahan sa palengke. "
Natural Translation
The police chased the thief who fled after he robbed a store in the market.
Literal Translation
Chased by the [plural] police the thief who escaped after this robbed the one store in market.
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nakaw has 2 related forms built from the same root.
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