ngata
ngatâ with stress marks
chewing without swallowing
Usage Note
Ngata describes the act of chewing something — often betel nut, gum, or tough food — without swallowing it. It can also refer to the chewed residue left in the mouth. The term is closely related to traditional betel-nut chewing culture in the Philippines.
Examples
" Mabagal ang ngata ng baka. "
Natural Translation
The cow's chewing is slow.
Literal Translation
Slow the chew of cow.
" Ang ngata ng baka sa damo ay mabagal. "
Natural Translation
The cow's chewing of the grass is slow.
Literal Translation
The chew of cow on-the grass is slow.
" Tahimik na nakaupo ang matanda sa sulok, abala sa kanyang ngata ng nganga habang nagmamasid sa mga dumaraan. "
Natural Translation
The old man sat quietly in the corner, busy with his chewing of betel nut while watching the passersby.
Literal Translation
Quiet that seated the old-man in-the corner, busy in his chew of betel-nut while watching to the passersby.
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