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wikain

wikáin with stress marks

saying; aphorism

noun wi-KA-in DERIVED Derived origin Less Common

From root: wika

Usage Note

Wikain refers to a traditional saying, proverb, or aphorism — a short piece of folk wisdom passed down through generations. It is derived from 'wika' (language, to say) with the nominalizing suffix '-in.' Filipino wikain often encode cultural values around family, hard work, humility, and community, and are taught in schools as part of literature and Filipino language education.

Examples

Beginner

" May lumang wikain sa Tagalog. "

Natural Translation

There is an old saying in Tagalog.

Literal Translation

Has old saying in Tagalog.

Intermediate

" May wikain na '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 that 'the not knows to-look-back at-the origin will-not reach the destination.'

Advanced

" Itinuro sa amin ng guro na maraming wikain ang nagpapaalala sa kahalagahan ng pagpapakumbaba at pagmamahal sa pamilya. "

Natural Translation

Our teacher taught us that many sayings remind us of the importance of humility and love for family.

Literal Translation

Taught to us of teacher that many sayings the reminding to-the importance of humility and love to family.

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Word family

wika has 2 related forms built from the same root.

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