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tangan

tangán with stress marks

held; to hold in hand

verb adjective tan-GAN Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tangan describes holding something in one's hand, gripping or carrying it. As an adjective it means 'being held'. It is also used figuratively to describe carrying responsibility or authority, as in 'nasa kamay niya ang kapangyarihan' (authority is in his hands). A common, everyday word.

Examples

Beginner

" Tangan niya ang sandata. "

Natural Translation

He is holding the weapon.

Literal Translation

Held he/she the weapon.

Intermediate

" Tangan niya ang kamay ng bata. "

Natural Translation

He/she held the hand of the child.

Literal Translation

Held he/she the hand of child.

Advanced

" Tangan ng matandang pinuno ang buong kapangyarihan ng nayon, kaya walang nangangahas na sumalungat sa kanya. "

Natural Translation

The old leader holds all the power of the village, so no one dares to oppose him.

Literal Translation

Held by-the old leader the whole power of village, so no-one daring to oppose to him.

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