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sandalan

sandalán with stress marks

back of a chair; a person one depends on

noun san-da-LAN DERIVED Derived origin Less Common

From root: sandal

Usage Note

Sandalan literally denotes the backrest of a chair, the part one leans against. Metaphorically it is a deeply meaningful word in Filipino culture, referring to a person — often a parent, spouse, or close friend — who serves as one's emotional or moral support. Saying someone is your sandalan is a strong expression of trust and dependence.

Examples

Beginner

" Ikaw ang aking sandalan. "

Natural Translation

You are my support.

Literal Translation

You the my support.

Intermediate

" Sira ang sandalan ng upuan. "

Natural Translation

The back of the chair is broken.

Literal Translation

Broken the back of chair.

Advanced

" Sa mahihirap na panahon, ang pamilya ang naging sandalan ko nang hindi ako sumuko. "

Natural Translation

In difficult times, my family became the support that kept me from giving up.

Literal Translation

In difficult times, the family the became support my so-that not I gave-up.

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Word family

sandal has 1 related form built from the same root.

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