balikbayan
balikbayán with stress marks
Filipino returning from abroad
Usage Note
Balikbayan is a compound of balik (return) and bayan (country/homeland), referring to an overseas Filipino worker or emigrant returning to the Philippines for a visit or permanently. The balikbayan box — a large cardboard box of goods sent home — is a powerful cultural symbol of OFW family life, sacrifice, and homecoming.
Examples
" Balikbayan ang tito ko. "
Natural Translation
My uncle is a returning Filipino.
Literal Translation
Returning-Filipino the uncle my.
" Nagdala ang balikbayan ng maraming pasalubong para sa pamilya. "
Natural Translation
The returning overseas Filipino brought many gifts for the family.
Literal Translation
Brought the returning-Filipino of many gifts for the family.
" Tuwing umuuwi ang balikbayan na kapatid ko, puno ang bahay ng tawanan dahil sa mga kuwento niya mula sa ibang bansa. "
Natural Translation
Whenever my sibling who works abroad comes home, the house is full of laughter because of their stories from overseas.
Literal Translation
Whenever comes-home the returning-Filipino that sibling my, full the house of laughter because of the stories their from other country.
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