sambong
The English word 'sage' is translated into Tagalog as sambong.
Meaning: wise (adj)
Did you know?
- Tagalog has no single word that mirrors the English 'sage' as both a fragrant herb and a wise person.
- The plant known as sambong is a staple in Philippine traditional medicine, but it is not the same plant as the Western 'sage' used in Mediterranean cooking.
- The word sambong is a cognate of the Malay word sembung, meaning they share a common linguistic ancestor.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are discussing a difficult problem.
- RicardoMaria, kailangan ko ng sambong na payo.Maria, I need some wise advice.
- MariaAno ba ang problema mo, Ricardo?What is your problem, Ricardo?
- RicardoHindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin.I don't know what to do.
- MariaMakinig ka lang at maging sambong.Just listen and be wise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sambong, CC BY-SA 4.0.
