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bula

bulâ with stress marks

bubble

noun bu-LA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Bula refers to a bubble of air or gas in liquid, as well as the foam or froth that forms on water or soap. Figuratively, it describes something empty or insubstantial — 'parang bula' (like a bubble) means something that vanished or proved to be worthless, a common expression for broken promises.

Examples

Beginner

" Maraming bula sa tubig. "

Natural Translation

There are many bubbles in the water.

Literal Translation

Many bubbles in water.

Intermediate

" Naglalaro ang mga bata ng bula sa harap ng bahay. "

Natural Translation

The children are playing with bubbles in front of the house.

Literal Translation

Playing the children with bubbles in-front of-the house.

Advanced

" Parang bula na lamang ang lahat ng kanyang mga pangako, dahil wala namang naganap sa lahat ng ipinangako niya. "

Natural Translation

All of his promises turned out to be like bubbles, because nothing he promised actually happened.

Literal Translation

Like bubble just the all of his promises, because nothing indeed happened in all of promised he.

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