magsagwan
magságwan with stress marks
to paddle
From root: sagwan
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nagsagwan
nag-SAG-wan
paddled
Present (Incomplete)
nagsasagwan
nag-sa-SAG-wan
is paddling
Future (Contemplated)
magsasagwan
mag-sa-SAG-wan
will paddle
Usage Note
Magsagwan is the actor-focus form of sagwan, the standard term for paddling a boat with the paddler as the subject. It is rooted in the coastal and river communities of the Philippines and recurs as a metaphor for perseverance in Filipino folk songs and poetry.
Examples
" Marunong na siyang magsagwan. "
Natural Translation
He already knows how to paddle.
Literal Translation
Knows already he to-paddle.
" Mahirap magsagwan kapag malakas ang agos ng ilog. "
Natural Translation
It is hard to paddle when the river current is strong.
Literal Translation
Hard to paddle when strong the current of river.
" Kahit pagod na ang mga kamay nila, patuloy silang nagsagwan hanggang marating ang kabilang pampang bago dumilim. "
Natural Translation
Even though their arms were already tired, they kept paddling until they reached the other shore before dark.
Literal Translation
Even tired already the hands their, continued they paddled until to-reach the other bank before to-darken.
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