sakalin
/sakaˈlin/
The English verb 'strangle' is translated into Tagalog as sakalin. Wiktionary also lists sumakal and manakal.
Meaning: to kill someone by strangulation (verb)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| sumakal | |
| manakal | /manaˈkal/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| sakalin | /sakaˈlin/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The word refers to the act of killing someone by strangulation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root sakal, which means to strangle or choke.
How does it change in a sentence?
sakalin is the transitive form used when the subject is performing the action on an object. sumakal is the intransitive form used to describe the act of strangling without necessarily specifying the object. manakal is an actor-focus form used to emphasize the person performing the act of strangling.
How do you pronounce it?
/sakaˈlin/
Did you know?
- The root sakal is also used in the common phrase sakal na sakal, which describes feeling suffocated by a controlling relationship or a strict boss rather than physical strangulation.
- The word sakalin shares a common ancestor with various words across the Austronesian language family, tracing back to the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root *cəkəl.
- The form manakal uses the prefix man-, which can transform a simple action into a professional or habitual occupation in other Tagalog contexts.
Examples in context
- Sakalin mo siya ng mahigpit.Strangle him tightly.
- Sugatan ang leeg niya dahil sa pagsakal mo.His neck got injured because of your strangulation.
- Sinubukan niyang sakalin ang biktima.He tried to strangle the victim.
- Huwag mong sakalin ang kapatid mo.Don't strangle your sibling.
- Nais niyang sakalin ang kaaway.He wants to strangle the enemy.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a violent scene in a movie.
- RicardoNakita mo ba ang ginawa niya?Did you see what he did?
- AngelaOo, muntik na niyang sakalin ang biktima.Yes, he almost strangled the victim.
- RicardoNakakatakot talaga ang eksenang iyon.That scene was really scary.
- AngelaTotoo, masyadong marahas ang pelikula.True, the movie is too violent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strangle” translations and entries manakal, sakalin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manakal, sakalin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
