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bakalaw

bakálàw with stress marks

cod fish

noun ba-KA-law Spanish origin Rare

Usage Note

Bakalaw is borrowed from the Spanish 'bacalao' (dried salted cod) and refers to salted or dried cod fish. It was introduced to Philippine cuisine during the Spanish colonial era and is used in traditional dishes, often reconstituted by soaking in water. It remains popular in Filipino-Spanish influenced cooking.

Examples

Beginner

" Binili niya ang bakalaw sa palengke. "

Natural Translation

He bought the cod fish at the market.

Literal Translation

Bought he the cod-fish at market.

Intermediate

" Masarap ang bakalaw sa hapunan. "

Natural Translation

Cod fish is delicious for dinner.

Literal Translation

Delicious the cod-fish in dinner.

Advanced

" Kailangan munang ibabad ang bakalaw sa tubig nang ilang oras upang maalis ang sobrang asin bago iluto. "

Natural Translation

The cod fish must first be soaked in water for several hours to remove the excess salt before cooking.

Literal Translation

Need first to-soak the cod-fish in water for several hours to remove the excess salt before cook.

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