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total

totál with stress marks

total; totalitarian

noun adjective to-TAL English origin Common

Usage Note

Total in Tagalog carries its standard mathematical sense of a sum, but it has also developed a colloquial conjunctive use as a discourse marker meaning 'anyway' or 'since that's the case'. This second function is distinctly Filipino and does not exist in Spanish or English usage of the same word.

Examples

Beginner

" Magkano ang total ng bayad? "

Natural Translation

How much is the total payment?

Literal Translation

How-much the total of payment?

Intermediate

" Ano ang total ng ating binili? "

Natural Translation

What is the total of what we bought?

Literal Translation

What the total of our bought?

Advanced

" Hindi na lang ako pumunta sa party, total wala namang kakilala doon at malayo pa. "

Natural Translation

I just didn't go to the party anyway, since I don't know anyone there and it's far.

Literal Translation

Not anymore just I went to party, anyway none after acquaintance there and far still.

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