magteks
magtéks with stress marks
to send a text message
From root: teks
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
nagteks
nag-TEKS
texted
Present (Incomplete)
nagteteks
nag-te-TEKS
is texting
Future (Contemplated)
magteteks
mag-te-TEKS
will text
Usage Note
Magteks is the actor-focus infinitive of teks, a direct English loanword that entered Tagalog during the SMS boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s — a period when the Philippines led the world in text message volume. Now used broadly for any short digital message in casual, everyday register.
Examples
" Magteks ka kapag malapit ka na. "
Natural Translation
Text me when you're near.
Literal Translation
Text you when near you already.
" Huwag kalimutang magteks kapag nakarating ka na sa iyong patutunguhan. "
Natural Translation
Don't forget to send a text message when you have arrived at your destination.
Literal Translation
Do-not to-forget to-send-text when arrived you already at your destination.
" Imbes na tumawag, nagteks na lang ako sa kanya dahil baka abala pa siya sa pulong. "
Natural Translation
Instead of calling, I just texted him because he might still be busy in the meeting.
Literal Translation
Instead to-call, texted just I to him because maybe busy still he in meeting.
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