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tagal

tagál with stress marks

duration; long time

noun adjective ta-GAL Native origin Less Common
Time Time Expressions

Usage Note

Tagal refers to the duration or durability of an object, often used in the common question 'Gaano katagal?' (How long?). It is also frequently used in daily conversation to express that someone or something is taking a long time.

Examples

Beginner

" Gaano katagal ang biyahe? "

Natural Translation

How long is the trip?

Literal Translation

How long the trip?

Intermediate

" Ang tagal natin naghintay. "

Natural Translation

We waited a long time.

Literal Translation

The long time we waited.

Advanced

" Hindi mo akalain kung gaano katagal ang pagtatayo ng tulay na ito dahil sa kakulangan ng pondo. "

Natural Translation

You wouldn't believe how long the construction of this bridge has taken because of the lack of funds.

Literal Translation

Not you imagine how long the construction of bridge this because of lack of funds.

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How Tagalog words work

Actor Focus Verbs

magtagal AF VERB

to stay long

tumagal AF VERB

to last

Object Focus Verbs

tagalan OF VERB

to spend a long time

patagalin OF VERB

to make something last long

itagal OF VERB

to last for a duration

matagalan OF VERB

to take a long time

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