tarok
tarók with stress marks
to fathom or understand
Usage Note
Tarok means to measure depth — literally with a sounding rod (tarol), and figuratively to plumb or comprehend something deeply. Hindi ko matarók (I can't fathom it) is a common expression of puzzlement or wonder at something beyond one's understanding. It conveys intellectual or emotional depth.
Examples
" Hindi ko matarok ang isip mo. "
Natural Translation
I can't fathom your thoughts.
Literal Translation
Not I can-fathom the mind your.
" Hindi ko tarok ang kanyang ibig sabihin. "
Natural Translation
I do not understand what he/she means.
Literal Translation
Not I understand the his/her meaning to-say.
" Kahit gaano katagal kong pinag-isipan, hindi ko pa rin matarok kung bakit niya ginawa ang ganoong bagay. "
Natural Translation
No matter how long I thought about it, I still can't fathom why he did such a thing.
Literal Translation
Even how long I thought-about, not I still can-fathom why he did the such thing.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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