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bihon

bíhon with stress marks

rice noodles

noun BI-hon Chinese origin Common

Usage Note

Bihon (from Hokkien Chinese) refers to thin, translucent rice vermicelli noodles. They are a staple of Filipino party food — 'pancit bihon' is one of the most iconic Filipino noodle dishes, served at birthdays and celebrations because noodles symbolize long life. Quick to cook and widely available, bihon appears in everyday meals as well.

Examples

Beginner

" Masarap ang pancit bihon. "

Natural Translation

The rice noodle pancit is delicious.

Literal Translation

Delicious the pancit rice-noodle.

Intermediate

" Laging may pancit bihon sa bawat handaan. "

Natural Translation

There is always rice noodle pancit at every party.

Literal Translation

Always has pancit rice-noodles at every feast.

Advanced

" Nagluto si Tita ng malaking kaldero ng bihon dahil marami ang bisitang dumating sa kaarawan. "

Natural Translation

Auntie cooked a big pot of rice noodles because many guests arrived at the birthday party.

Literal Translation

Cooked Auntie of big pot of rice-noodles because many the guests arrived at birthday.

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