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Kano

Káno with stress marks

short for American

noun KA-no Colloquial origin Common

Usage Note

Kano is a colloquial shortening of Amerikano, used informally to refer to any American, particularly white Americans. It is not considered offensive in everyday Filipino speech and is used with familiarity rather than malice, though context matters.

Examples

Beginner

" Kano ang bagong guro namin. "

Natural Translation

Our new teacher is American.

Literal Translation

American the new teacher our.

Intermediate

" May Kano daw na pumunta sa barangay namin kahapon. "

Natural Translation

Apparently an American came to our barangay yesterday.

Literal Translation

Has American reportedly that came to barangay our yesterday.

Advanced

" May Kanong nakatira sa kabilang bahay na natutong magsalita ng Tagalog matapos manirahan dito nang ilang taon. "

Natural Translation

There's an American living in the house next door who learned to speak Tagalog after living here for several years.

Literal Translation

Has American-that living in other house that learned speak of Tagalog after reside here for several years.

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