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bisà

effect, efficacy

noun bi-SA Native origin Rare

Also means

When stressed on the first syllable as bísa, the word means visa — a travel document.

Usage Note

Bisà refers to the potency or effectiveness of something — a medicine, a spell, a person's authority, or a legal instrument. It appears frequently in formal and literary Tagalog and in discussions of folk medicine or supernatural power.

Examples

Beginner

" Mabilis ang bisa ng gamot. "

Natural Translation

The medicine takes effect quickly.

Literal Translation

Fast the effect of medicine.

Intermediate

" Malakas ang bisà ng kape. "

Natural Translation

The effect of the coffee is strong.

Literal Translation

Strong the effect of coffee.

Advanced

" Bagaman matanda na ang batas, nananatili pa rin ang bisa nito sa mga kasong ganito. "

Natural Translation

Although the law is already old, its efficacy still holds in cases like this.

Literal Translation

Although old already the law, remains still the efficacy of-it in cases like-this.

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