Formal and literal:
* Masunurin (ma-su-nu-rin): This means "obedient" or "compliant," but can also carry a connotation of being submissive or meek.
* Sumusunod (su-mu-su-nod): This means "following" or "obeying," and emphasizes the act of following orders or rules.
Informal and idiomatic:
* Nagpapasakop (nag-pa-pa-sa-kop): This means "submissive" or "yielding," and implies a sense of being under someone's authority.
* Nagpapaka-alipin (nag-pa-pa-ka-a-li-pin): This is a more extreme term meaning "becoming a slave" and implies complete submission.
Other options:
* Mababa ang loob (ma-ba-ba ang loob): This means "humble" and can be used to describe someone who is respectful and willing to serve others.
* Maamo (ma-a-mo): This means "gentle" or "mild-mannered," and can also imply a lack of assertiveness.
The best translation will depend on the specific context and the intended nuance. For example, "subservient employee" could be translated as "masunuring empleyado" or "sumusunod na empleyado." "Subservient to the king" could be translated as "nagpapasakop sa hari" or "mababa ang loob sa hari."
It's important to remember that the meaning of "subservient" can be negative, suggesting a lack of independence or agency. The Tagalog translations chosen should reflect this nuance if it is intended.