Palauan Language Online: Palauan-English Dictionary

dmak

, v.i.

be together.

dmak a uldak; te uldak er a chimo el blai, te dmak el kiei; te dmak el skuul, chachelechel, kaukledem.

oldak

, v.caus.

put or add together; unify; join; include.
oldak a odak; mo dmak, odekiar; oldak a reng, odekial.

reng

, n.

heart; spirit; feeling; soul; seat of emotions; will; desire; decision.
reng a tebechelel a chad; reng a omesiur er a chad; rengul, rengelngalek.

renguk

n.poss.1s

renguk a reng er ngak.

rengum

n.poss.2s

rengul

n.poss.3s

his/her/its heart; spirit; feeling; soul; seat of emotions.
rengul a reng er ngii.

rengmam

n.poss.1pe

rengud

n.poss.1pi

rengmiu

n.poss.2p

rengrir

n.poss.3p

rengrir a reng er tir.

omai er a rengul

v.t.

hesitate; be unsure about.

a renguk e

expr.

I think/thought that.

ochemchuml a rengul

expr.

seething inside with anger or hate.

See also:

Examples:

Ng di renguk el mo er a Merikel.

> It's my own desire or decision to go to America.

Ng/Te millemolem el moalech a rengrir a delrir.

> Their mothers continued to be disappointed.

Lak lesebek a rengum e ng kmal diak a rolem e bo mad.

> Don't worry; there's really no way you're going to die.

Ng tuobed a rengul.

> His real feelings come out or show.

A Droteo a mengedeng er a rengul a Toki.

> Droteo is confusing Toki (because of what he's saying, because of his behavior, etc.).

Proverbs:

A rengud me chodab.

> The heart and assessment.

This might better be translated, "Assessment with knowledge." The mind or head is thought to be the locus of knowledge in Palau, but such knowledge is made useful or is measured with the heart (reng). Chodab, in this context, would appear to mean "to take stock of" or "to measure." In essence, then, the phrase cautions one who seems on the point of making a rash decision to temper his thoughts with his heart.

Dmolech er a reng.

> Sincere heart.

The technique suggests a quiet rational approach to any problem; the acceptance of circumstances without getting ruffled. The advocate does not defend himself against criticism and will meet anger with sincere concern. It involves "checking the facts," rather than backing down in the face of challenge. The student of this discipline is serene in the face of danger.

Omechar a reng.

> Buying the heart.

This is the strategy of anticipating the desires and wishes of others. It involves generosity in favors, gift giving, and praise. The art of anticipating the desired response by the question asked is polished. The use of humor to cajole those led is approved. When confronting a group, whether in dance or speech, a smile or pleasant, friendly expression is assumed.

Ng ko er a rengul a bolobel el di melemalt.

> Like the heart of the halfbeak, straight.

The halfbeak, a small fish (bolobel), is regarded as one who follows his fancy or heart, doing as he pleases. The idiom is applied to persons who are easy-going, sleeping when the mood calls for it, undisturbed by the behavior or opinion of others.

A resechal a reng er tir bad.

> The male heart is like stone.

The true man or leader has a strong, unwavering character. His decisions are firm and unchanging.

More Examples:

Ng kmal ungil a renguk mlo sebechek el remuul a urerek.

> I'm so happy I finished my work.

Dimlak kudengei el kmo kede kmal mekedidai a rengud.

> I didn't really realize that we are so darn stubborn.

Ng diak lemeched a renguk.

> I'm not thirsty.

Ng meringel er kau a dmu el kmo ng betik a rengum er ngak?

> Is it hard for you to say I love you?

A rechad er a Merikel el kiei er Belau a betik a rengrir er a klsiorai el kirel Belau.

> Most Americans living in Belau love Belau and future compact towards the island.

Palauan Language Online: Palauan-English Dictionary

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