Usage Note
Tagak is the Tagalog name for the heron, a long-legged wading bird commonly seen in rice paddies, rivers, and coastal wetlands across the Philippines. It is a familiar sight in rural landscapes and appears in folk sayings and poetry as a symbol of patience and stillness.
Examples
" May tagak sa palayan. "
Natural Translation
There is a heron in the rice field.
Literal Translation
Has heron in rice-field.
" Nakita ko ang tagak sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
I saw the heron in the field.
Literal Translation
Saw I the heron in field.
" Tuwing umaga, nakatayo nang tahimik ang isang tagak sa gilid ng ilog habang naghihintay ng isdang lalangoy palapit. "
Natural Translation
Every morning, a heron stands silently at the edge of the river while waiting for a fish to swim closer.
Literal Translation
Every morning, standing quietly the one heron at edge of river while waiting of fish that will-swim closer.
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