asalto
asálto with stress marks
surprise party, assault
Usage Note
Asalto has a uniquely Filipino meaning in addition to its Spanish sense of assault or attack: it refers to an informal surprise visit or impromptu party where guests arrive unannounced, bringing food and celebrating together. This festive, communal usage is distinctly Filipino and reflects the culture's love of spontaneous gathering. The word's two meanings — attack and surprise party — are easily distinguished by context.
Examples
" May asalto kami mamaya. "
Natural Translation
We have a surprise party later.
Literal Translation
Has surprise-party we later.
" Nagpunta kami sa asalto ng aming kaibigan na hindi naman inaasahan. "
Natural Translation
We went to our friend's surprise party without being expected.
Literal Translation
Went we to-the surprise-party of-our friend that not expected.
" Nagplano kaming maghanda ng asalto para sa lola pagdating niya, kaya nagtago muna kaming lahat sa likod-bahay. "
Natural Translation
We planned to throw a surprise party for grandmother when she arrived, so we all hid in the backyard first.
Literal Translation
Planned we-to prepare of surprise-party for the grandmother arrival her, so hid first we-all in backyard.
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