watas
watás with stress marks
understanding; to understand
Usage Note
Watas means to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something, often used in literary, educational, or reflective contexts. As a noun it refers to one's understanding or interpretation. It appears in phrases like 'mawatas ang kahulugan' (to grasp the meaning) and is slightly more formal than 'intindi' or 'unawa.'
Examples
" Malalim ang watas niya. "
Natural Translation
His understanding is deep.
Literal Translation
Deep the understanding of-him.
" May watas sila sa batas ng bansa. "
Natural Translation
They have an understanding of the country's laws.
Literal Translation
Have understanding they on law of country.
" Mahirap mawatas ang tunay na kahulugan ng tula kung hindi mo isasaalang-alang ang panahong pinagsulatan nito. "
Natural Translation
It is hard to grasp the true meaning of the poem if you don't consider the era in which it was written.
Literal Translation
Hard to-grasp the true meaning of poem if not you will-consider the era written-in of-it.
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