talas
talás with stress marks
sharpness; acuteness; keenness
Usage Note
Talas describes both physical sharpness (of a blade) and mental acuity (of the mind). 'Talas ng isip' (sharpness of mind) is a common compliment for someone clever or quick-witted. The related adjective matalas can mean either sharp-edged or sharp-minded. This dual physical-intellectual meaning makes it a versatile word in both everyday and literary contexts.
Examples
" Kapansin-pansin ang talas ng kutsilyo. "
Natural Translation
The knife's sharpness is striking.
Literal Translation
Noticeable the sharpness of knife.
" Nakakabilib ang talas ng kanyang isip. "
Natural Translation
The sharpness of his/her mind is impressive.
Literal Translation
Impressive the sharpness of his/her mind.
" Dahil sa talas ng kanyang isip, agad niyang nasagot ang mahirap na tanong na hindi maintindihan ng iba. "
Natural Translation
Because of the sharpness of his mind, he quickly answered the difficult question that others could not understand.
Literal Translation
Because of sharpness of his mind immediately he answered the difficult question that not understood by others.
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