alitaptap
alitaptáp with stress marks
firefly
Usage Note
Alitaptap are a beloved symbol of rural Philippine nights and childhood wonder, appearing prominently in folk stories and poetry. Their presence in rice fields and forests is associated with rural tranquility, and the word itself has an onomatopoeic feel that evokes flickering light.
Examples
" May alitaptap sa gabi. "
Natural Translation
There are fireflies at night.
Literal Translation
Has firefly at-the night.
" Bilang bata, mahilig akong hulihin ang mga alitaptap sa gabi. "
Natural Translation
As a child, I loved catching fireflies at night.
Literal Translation
As child, fond I-to catch the fireflies at-the night.
" Tuwing bumababa ang dilim sa bukid, kumikislap ang libo-libong alitaptap na parang mga maliliit na bituin. "
Natural Translation
Whenever darkness falls over the field, thousands of fireflies twinkle like tiny stars.
Literal Translation
Every falls the dark over-the field, twinkle the thousands fireflies like the tiny stars.
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