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bolo

bólo with stress marks

machete

noun BO-lo Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Bolo is a traditional Filipino long knife used for farming, clearing vegetation, and historically in combat. It is an iconic symbol of Philippine rural life and revolutionary history — Katipunan fighters famously wielded bolos — and remains a practical tool in the countryside today.

Examples

Beginner

" Matalas ang bolo niya. "

Natural Translation

His machete is sharp.

Literal Translation

Sharp the machete his.

Intermediate

" Ginamit ng magsasaka ang bolo para putulin ang mga sanga. "

Natural Translation

The farmer used a machete to cut the branches.

Literal Translation

Used the farmer the machete for cut the branches.

Advanced

" Dala-dala ng matandang magsasaka ang kanyang bolo habang naglalakad papunta sa bukid tuwing umaga. "

Natural Translation

The old farmer carries his machete as he walks to the field every morning.

Literal Translation

Carrying of-the old farmer the his machete while walking going to the field every morning.

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