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utakan

battle of wits

noun u-ta-KAN DERIVED Less Common
Illustration of the root word "utak" (brain)
Illustration from root: utak

From root: utak

Usage Note

Utakan refers to a competition or situation that requires the use of cunning or intellect to outplay an opponent. It is common in games or negotiations.

Examples

Beginner

" Mahusay siya sa utakan. "

Natural Translation

He is good at a battle of wits.

Literal Translation

Skilled he in battle-of-wits.

Intermediate

" Hindi ito lakasan, utakan ito. "

Natural Translation

This isn't about strength, it's a battle of wits.

Literal Translation

Not this loudness, wits this.

Advanced

" Sa huling laro ng chess, naging matinding utakan ito sa pagitan ng dalawang batang henyo na walang gustong magpatalo. "

Natural Translation

In the final chess game, it became an intense battle of wits between two child prodigies, neither willing to lose.

Literal Translation

In last game of chess, became intense battle-of-wits this between of two child genius that none wanting to-be-defeated.

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Word family

utak has 5 related forms built from the same root.

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