kawikaan
kawikâan with stress marks
idiom; saying; expression
From root: wika
Usage Note
Kawikaan refers to a traditional proverb, idiomatic expression, or folk saying that encapsulates wisdom passed down through generations. The Book of Proverbs in the Filipino Bible is called 'Kawikaan.' Tagalog is rich in such expressions, and knowing them is a marker of cultural fluency.
Examples
" May lumang kawikaan tungkol dito. "
Natural Translation
There's an old saying about this.
Literal Translation
Has old saying about here.
" May kawikaan: 'Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.' "
Natural Translation
There is a saying: 'One who does not look back at where they came from will not reach their destination.'
Literal Translation
Has saying: 'The not knows to-look-back at where-came-from will-not reach to-where-going.'
" Madalas banggitin ng aking lola ang isang kawikaan kapag pinapayuhan niya kaming maging masinop sa pera. "
Natural Translation
My grandmother often quotes a saying whenever she advises us to be careful with money.
Literal Translation
Often to-mention of-the my grandmother the one saying when advises she us to-be thrifty with money.
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How Tagalog words workWord family
wika has 2 related forms built from the same root.
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