magtabtab
magtábtab with stress marks
to trim or chip off
From root: tabtab
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nagtabtab
nag-TAB-tab
trimmed
Present (Incomplete)
nagtatabtab
nag-ta-TAB-tab
is trimming
Future (Contemplated)
magtatabtab
mag-ta-TAB-tab
will trim
Usage Note
Magtabtab is the actor-focus form of the reduplicated root tabtab, used for cutting away edges or excess material — trimming cloth, chipping stone, or paring rough surfaces. The reduplication underscores the repeated, incremental nature of the action, setting it apart from a single decisive cut.
Examples
" Mahirap magtabtab ng bato. "
Natural Translation
It is hard to chip off stone.
Literal Translation
Difficult to-chip-off of stone.
" Mahirap magtabtab ng bato kung wala kang tamang martilyo. "
Natural Translation
It is difficult to chip off stone if you don't have the right hammer.
Literal Translation
Difficult to-chip-off of stone if none you correct hammer.
" Kailangang dahan-dahang magtabtab ng gilid ang manggagawa upang hindi mabasag ang marmol na kanyang inuukit. "
Natural Translation
The worker needs to chip away at the edge slowly so the marble he is carving won't crack.
Literal Translation
Need slowly to-chip-off of edge the worker so not crack the marble that his carving.
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tabtab has 1 related form built from the same root.
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