bulalakaw
bulalákaw with stress marks
shooting star
Usage Note
Bulalakaw is the poetic Tagalog term for a shooting star or meteor. In folk tradition, seeing a bulalakaw is an occasion to make a wish. It is also used figuratively to describe a person who rises quickly to fame or prominence but disappears just as fast — a 'one-hit wonder'.
Examples
" May bulalakaw sa langit. "
Natural Translation
There's a shooting star in the sky.
Literal Translation
Has shooting-star in-the sky.
" Nakakita kami ng bulalakaw habang nagmamasid ng bituin. "
Natural Translation
We saw a shooting star while stargazing.
Literal Translation
Saw we a shooting-star while observing stars.
" Nang makakita kami ng bulalakaw, agad kaming humiling habang nakatitig sa madilim na langit. "
Natural Translation
When we saw a shooting star, we immediately made a wish while gazing at the dark sky.
Literal Translation
When saw we a shooting-star, immediately we wished while gazing at-the dark sky.
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