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balintuna

balintúna with stress marks

paradox, irony

noun ba-lin-TU-na Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Balintuna refers to a situation or statement that contradicts itself or produces an unexpected opposite result — equivalent to irony or paradox in English. It is used in philosophical, literary, and everyday discussions to point out contradictions, and often carries a wry or sardonic tone.

Examples

Beginner

" Isang balintuna ito. "

Natural Translation

This is an irony.

Literal Translation

One irony this.

Intermediate

" Isang balintuna ang nangyari sa kanila. "

Natural Translation

An irony/paradox happened to them.

Literal Translation

One irony the happened to them.

Advanced

" Isang malaking balintuna na ang doktor na nag-aaral ng kalusugan ang siya pang hindi nag-iingat sa sariling katawan. "

Natural Translation

It's a great irony that the doctor who studies health is the very one who doesn't take care of his own body.

Literal Translation

One big irony that the doctor that studies of health the he still not takes-care in own body.

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