maalamon
The Bisaya word for smart is maalamon.
The term is used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as the kind of knowledge found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Which one should you use?
While maalamon is the standard form, Maalam is also used to express the same concept.
Did you know?
- In colloquial speech, if someone is being 'too smart' for their own good, a speaker might use pilosopo, which describes a clever but annoying way of arguing.
- If you want to describe someone who is 'street smart' or quick-witted rather than 'book smart', you would rarely use maalamon, opting instead for words like hait which literally means 'sharp'.
- Because maalamon implies deep knowledge, it is a common title or descriptor for traditional healers or elders who possess ancestral wisdom.
Examples in context
- Ang iyahang professor maalam kaayo sa matematika.The professor is very smart in mathematics.
- Siya maalam nga manan-aw sa mga posibleng solusyon.He is a smart observer of possible solutions.
- Siya usa ka matinud-anon ug maalamon nga lider.He is a wise and smart leader who is also honest.
- Maalamon kaayo ang maong estudyante.That student is very smart.
- Kinahanglan nato og maalamon nga lider.We need a smart leader.
- Maalamon siya sa mga balaod.He is smart about the laws.
Example conversation
Elena and Jose are discussing a new colleague at work.
- ElenaMaalamon ba ang imong bag-ong kauban?Is your new colleague smart?
- JoseOo, maalamon kaayo siya sa iyang trabaho.Yes, he is very smart at his job.
- ElenaMaayo hinuon kon maalamon siya.It is good if he is smart.
- JoseTinuod, dako gyud siya og matabang nato.True, he will be a big help to us.
