Usage Note
Alay refers to an offering made to a deity, saint, or spirit, and more broadly to a gift or dedication. It is central to Filipino religious practice — flowers, candles, and food are common alay at churches and shrines — and also appears in literary dedications.
Examples
" Ito ang aking alay sa iyo. "
Natural Translation
This is my offering to you.
Literal Translation
This the my offering to you.
" Naglagay siya ng bulaklak bilang alay sa dambana. "
Natural Translation
He/She placed flowers as an offering at the shrine.
Literal Translation
Placed he/she of flowers as offering at-the shrine.
" Tuwing kaarawan ng kanyang lola, nag-iiwan siya ng bulaklak at kandila bilang alay sa puntod nito. "
Natural Translation
Every birthday of her grandmother, she leaves flowers and a candle as an offering at her grave.
Literal Translation
Every birthday of her grandmother, leaves she of flowers and candle as offering at grave its.
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