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mautak

brainy or clever

adjective ma-U-tak DERIVED Less Common
Illustration of the root word "utak" (brain)
Illustration from root: utak

From root: utak

Usage Note

Mautak is formed with ma- on utak (brain) and praises practical intelligence, resourcefulness, and quick thinking rather than formal academic ability. It sits closer in register to 'sharp' or 'savvy' than to 'intelligent' and is used warmly in everyday speech.

Examples

Beginner

" Mautak talaga ang bata. "

Natural Translation

The child is really clever.

Literal Translation

Clever really the child.

Intermediate

" Mautak ang batang iyon sa paaralan. "

Natural Translation

That child is clever at school.

Literal Translation

Brainy the child that at school.

Advanced

" Kahit hindi siya nakatapos ng pag-aaral, mautak siya kaya laging may paraan para kumita ng pera. "

Natural Translation

Even though he didn't finish school, he's resourceful, so he always finds a way to earn money.

Literal Translation

Even-though not he finished of studying, clever he so always has way to earn of money.

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Word family

utak has 5 related forms built from the same root.

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