singkaw
síngkaw with stress marks
yoke; to harness
Usage Note
Singkaw is the wooden yoke placed across the necks of carabaos (water buffalo) to attach them to a plow or cart. It is central to traditional Philippine agriculture and is a common symbol of labor, burden, and colonial subjugation in literature and political discourse.
Examples
" Sira ang singkaw ng kalabaw. "
Natural Translation
The carabao's yoke is broken.
Literal Translation
Broken the yoke of carabao.
" Mahigpit ang singkaw ng kalabaw. "
Natural Translation
The yoke of the carabao is tight.
Literal Translation
Tight the yoke of carabao.
" Bago magbukang-liwayway, isinisingkaw na ng magsasaka ang kalabaw upang maagang masimulan ang pag-aararo sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
Before dawn, the farmer harnesses the carabao so he can start plowing the field early.
Literal Translation
Before break-of-dawn, being-yoked already of farmer the carabao so-that early can-begin the plowing in field.
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