sungkal
sungkál with stress marks
to dig up using a snout (like a pig)
Usage Note
Sungkal most literally refers to the rooting action of a pig using its snout to overturn soil. Figuratively, it can describe someone who rummages messily through things. It is commonly heard in rural or agricultural contexts and may also be used humorously to describe a person digging through belongings.
Examples
" Sumungkal ang baboy sa lupa. "
Natural Translation
The pig rooted in the soil.
Literal Translation
Rooted the pig in soil.
" Malalim ang sungkal ng baboy. "
Natural Translation
The dig up using a snout of the pig is deep.
Literal Translation
Deep the dig up using a snout of pig.
" Habang naghahanap ako ng susi, sinungkal ng aso ang buong basurahan at nagkalat ang dumi. "
Natural Translation
While I was looking for the key, the dog rummaged through the whole trash bin and the filth scattered.
Literal Translation
While searching I of key, rummaged by dog the whole trash-bin and scattered the filth.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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