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taliba

talíba with stress marks

guard; sentinel

noun ta-LI-ba Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Taliba refers to a guard, watchman, or sentinel — someone posted to keep watch. It is used in military, literary, and historical contexts to describe a sentry on duty. In modern usage it is largely formal and literary; everyday Tagalog speakers use 'guwardya' (from Spanish 'guardia') for a security guard. Taliba also names a prominent Philippine newspaper.

Examples

Beginner

" May taliba sa pinto. "

Natural Translation

There is a guard at the door.

Literal Translation

There guard at door.

Intermediate

" Nakatayo ang taliba sa harap ng pinto. "

Natural Translation

The guard is standing in front of the door.

Literal Translation

Standing the guard in front of door.

Advanced

" Buong gabing nakabantay ang taliba sa tarangkahan ng kuta upang walang kalaban na makapasok nang palihim. "

Natural Translation

The sentinel kept watch the whole night at the gate of the fort so that no enemy could enter undetected.

Literal Translation

Whole night kept-watch the sentinel at gate of fort so-that no enemy can-enter secretly.

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