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sagwan

ságwan with stress marks

paddle; the act of paddling

noun verb SAG-wan Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Sagwan is the standard word for a boat paddle or oar, and also refers to the action of paddling. In coastal and river communities, it remains a practical everyday term; it also appears in songs and poetry as a symbol of perseverance and forward movement.

Examples

Beginner

" Hawak niya ang sagwan. "

Natural Translation

He/She is holding the paddle.

Literal Translation

Holding he/she the paddle.

Intermediate

" Nawala ang sagwan ng bangka. "

Natural Translation

The paddle of the boat was lost.

Literal Translation

Lost the paddle of boat.

Advanced

" Kahit pagod na ang mga braso ng mangingisda, patuloy pa rin siya sa pagsagwan upang makarating sa pampang bago dumilim. "

Natural Translation

Even though the fisherman's arms were already tired, he kept on paddling so he could reach the shore before dark.

Literal Translation

Even tired already the plural arm of fisherman, continue still he in paddling so-that can-reach to shore before darken.

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