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raha

ráha with stress marks

rajah; title for precolonial chieftains

noun RA-ha Sanskrit origin Rare

Usage Note

Raha is a Sanskrit loanword via Malay, used as the title for precolonial Philippine chieftains and rulers — most famously Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Matanda of Manila. It reflects the Indianized political culture that flourished in the archipelago before Spanish colonization.

Examples

Beginner

" Si Raha Sulayman ay matapang. "

Natural Translation

Rajah Sulayman was brave.

Literal Translation

Si Rajah Sulayman brave.

Intermediate

" Ang Raha Sulayman ay isa sa mga pinuno ng Maynila bago dumating ang mga Español. "

Natural Translation

Rajah Sulayman was one of the rulers of Manila before the Spanish arrived.

Literal Translation

The Rajah Sulayman is one of-the plural leaders of-the Manila before arrived the plural Spanish.

Advanced

" Bago pa man sumakop ang mga Espanyol, isang makapangyarihang raha ang namuno sa mga komunidad sa tabi ng ilog Pasig. "

Natural Translation

Even before the Spanish conquered, a powerful rajah led the communities along the Pasig River.

Literal Translation

Before even conquer the plural Spanish, a powerful rajah the led to plural community at side of river Pasig.

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