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butanding

butandíng with stress marks

whale shark

noun bu-tan-DING Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Butanding is the Filipino name for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the world's largest fish. The town of Donsol in Sorsogon is famous for butanding tourism and has helped shift local livelihoods from fishing to eco-tourism. The word is now internationally recognized in diving communities.

Examples

Beginner

" Malaki ang butanding. "

Natural Translation

The whale shark is big.

Literal Translation

Big the whale-shark.

Intermediate

" Nakita namin ang butanding habang nag-isnorkeling. "

Natural Translation

We saw a whale shark while snorkeling.

Literal Translation

Saw we the whale-shark while snorkeling.

Advanced

" Maraming turista ang pumupunta sa Donsol taun-taon para lumangoy kasama ang mga butanding sa malinaw na tubig. "

Natural Translation

Many tourists go to Donsol every year to swim alongside the whale sharks in the clear water.

Literal Translation

Many tourist go to Donsol year-year for swim with the whale-sharks in clear water.

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