nakakatakot
The English word "terrifying" is translated into Tagalog as nakakatakot.
Use this adjective to describe something that is frightening or intimidating.
Meaning: frightening or intimidating (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is built from the root takot (fear) using the prefix naka- and the reduplication of the first syllable of the root to express an active quality of causing that feeling, literally meaning "causing fear".
Which one should you use?
While nakakatakot describes something that causes fear, the word takot refers to the feeling of fear itself.
Did you know?
- The root word takot is also used in the phrase takot-takot, which doesn't mean 'very scary' but actually refers to a large, scattered amount of something.
- In Filipino culture, the concept of being 'terrifying' is often linked to the aswang, a mythical shapeshifting monster that appears in various regional folklore.
- When describing a person who is intimidating rather than just scary, Filipinos often use the word nakakapressure in a colloquial way, blending English with Tagalog grammar.
Examples in context
- Nakakatakot ang pelikulang ito!This movie is terrifying!
- Nakakatakot ang pelikulang iyon.That movie is terrifying.
- Nakakatakot ang pelikulang ito.This movie is terrifying.
- Nakakatakot ang dilim sa labas.The darkness outside is terrifying.
- May nakakatakot na kuwento rito.There is a terrifying story here.
Example conversation
Mark and Maria are watching a horror movie together.
- MarkNakakatakot ang palabas na ito, Maria.This show is terrifying, Maria.
- MariaOo, Mark. Natatakot ako.Yes, Mark. I am scared.
- MarkGusto mo bang patayin ang telebisyon?Do you want to turn off the television?
- MariaSige, mas mabuti iyon.Okay, that is better.
