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balaraw

balaráw with stress marks

dagger; indigenous weapon

noun ba-la-RAW Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Balaraw is a traditional Filipino short dagger used historically as a weapon in indigenous warrior culture. It appears in folklore, historical accounts, and martial arts traditions like arnis, and is now primarily referenced in historical and cultural contexts.

Examples

Beginner

" Matalim ang lumang balaraw. "

Natural Translation

The old dagger is sharp.

Literal Translation

Sharp the old dagger.

Intermediate

" Ang balaraw ay isang tradisyonal na sandata ng mga sinaunang Pilipino. "

Natural Translation

The balaraw is a traditional weapon of ancient Filipinos.

Literal Translation

The dagger is a traditional weapon of-the ancient Filipinos.

Advanced

" Ipinamana ng aking lolo ang isang balaraw na ginamit umano ng mga ninuno namin noong panahon ng mga Espanyol. "

Natural Translation

My grandfather handed down a dagger that our ancestors supposedly used back during the time of the Spaniards.

Literal Translation

Handed-down by my grandfather the one dagger that used supposedly by-the ancestors our during time of-the Spaniards.

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