Usage Note
Asotea comes from the Spanish 'azotea' (flat roof or rooftop terrace) and in Philippine usage refers to a balcony, terrace, or rooftop space attached to a house. It is a characteristic feature of bahay na bato (stone houses) from the Spanish colonial era. The word evokes images of old ancestral homes in Intramuros, Vigan, and other historic Philippine towns.
Examples
" Maliit ang asotea ng bahay. "
Natural Translation
The balcony of the house is small.
Literal Translation
Small the balcony of-the house.
" Naupo kami sa asotea habang nagmamasid sa mga bituin. "
Natural Translation
We sat on the balcony while stargazing.
Literal Translation
Sat we on-the balcony while watching the stars.
" Tuwing hapon ay umuupo ang lola sa asotea upang panoorin ang paglubog ng araw sa malayong kabundukan. "
Natural Translation
Every afternoon, grandmother sits on the balcony to watch the sunset over the distant mountains.
Literal Translation
Every afternoon sits the grandmother on-the balcony to watch the sinking of-the sun in-the distant mountains.
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