bayawak
bayáwak with stress marks
Philippine monitor lizard
Usage Note
Bayawak (Varanus salvator) is a large monitor lizard common throughout the Philippines, often seen near rivers and forests and sometimes kept as a pest controller. In some provinces, bayawak meat is consumed, though the animal is also regarded with superstition in folk belief.
Examples
" May bayawak sa likod-bahay. "
Natural Translation
There is a monitor lizard in the backyard.
Literal Translation
Has monitor-lizard in backyard.
" Nakita namin ang malaking bayawak sa tabi ng ilog. "
Natural Translation
We saw a large monitor lizard by the river.
Literal Translation
Saw we the large monitor-lizard beside-the river.
" Sinasabi ng mga matatanda sa nayon na huwag patayin ang bayawak dahil ito raw ang nagpapanatiling walang daga ang palayan. "
Natural Translation
The elders in the village say not to kill the monitor lizard because it reportedly keeps the rice fields free of rats.
Literal Translation
Say by-the elders in village that don't kill the monitor-lizard because this reportedly the keeping without rats the rice-field.
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