batalan
batálan with stress marks
extension of a house used as a washroom
Usage Note
Batalan is a traditional feature of Filipino homes — a small lean-to or open extension at the back used for washing clothes, bathing, and cleaning. It reflects the practical domestic architecture of rural and older urban Philippine households and remains a common reference in everyday domestic language.
Examples
" Naliligo siya sa batalan. "
Natural Translation
He/She is bathing in the washroom extension.
Literal Translation
Bathing he/she in-the washroom-extension.
" Naghuhugas ng pinggan ang nanay sa batalan. "
Natural Translation
Mother is washing the dishes at the washroom extension.
Literal Translation
Washing-dishes the mother at-the washroom-extension.
" Tuwing umaga, naghuhugas ang lola ng mga damit sa batalan habang nagluluto naman ang nanay sa kusina. "
Natural Translation
Every morning, grandmother washes clothes at the washroom extension while mother cooks in the kitchen.
Literal Translation
Every morning, washing the grandmother of clothes at-the washroom-extension while cooking on-the-other-hand the mother in-the kitchen.
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