Usage Note
Nominal is used in formal Tagalog to mean existing in name only, token in value, or relating to a name or noun. It appears in academic, legal, and economic discourse. In linguistics, it refers to noun-related structures. In everyday speech, the English term is often used as-is without Tagalog adaptation.
Examples
" Nominal lang ang kanyang papel dito. "
Natural Translation
His/her role here is only nominal.
Literal Translation
Nominal only the his/her role here.
" Isang nominal na bayad lamang ang kailangan. "
Natural Translation
Only a nominal fee is required.
Literal Translation
One nominal fee only the needed.
" Bagaman pangulo siya sa papel, nominal lamang ang kanyang kapangyarihan dahil ang lupon ang tunay na nagdedesisyon. "
Natural Translation
Although he/she is president on paper, his/her power is merely nominal because the board is the one that truly decides.
Literal Translation
Although president he/she on paper, nominal only the his/her power because the board the truly decides.
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