tukoy
tukóy with stress marks
reference; to identify or cite
Usage Note
Tukoy is a key grammatical and rhetorical term meaning to point out, identify, or make reference to something specific. In everyday speech it is used when someone is clearly hinting at or pointing to a particular person or thing without naming them directly, making it a staple of indirect communication.
Examples
" Hindi ko alam ang tukoy mo. "
Natural Translation
I do not know what you are referring to.
Literal Translation
Not I know the reference your.
" Hindi malinaw ang kanyang tukoy sa problema. "
Natural Translation
His/Her reference to the problem is not clear.
Literal Translation
Not clear the his/her reference to problem.
" Bagaman hindi niya binanggit ang pangalan, malinaw sa lahat kung sino ang tukoy niya sa kanyang talumpati. "
Natural Translation
Although he/she did not mention a name, it was clear to everyone who he/she was referring to in his/her speech.
Literal Translation
Although not he/she mentioned the name, clear to all who the reference his/her in his/her speech.
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