dugong
dúgong with stress marks
sea cow; aquatic mammal
Usage Note
Dugong originates from Tagalog and related Philippine languages and was borrowed into English and other world languages — a rare case of a Filipino word entering global scientific vocabulary. The dugong is a protected marine mammal in the Philippines, with sightings reported around Palawan and the Sulu Sea.
Examples
" Mabait na hayop ang dugong. "
Natural Translation
The dugong is a gentle animal.
Literal Translation
Gentle that animal the dugong.
" Nakita ng mga manlalangoy ang dugong malapit sa coral reef. "
Natural Translation
Swimmers spotted a dugong near the coral reef.
Literal Translation
Saw the-by swimmers the dugong near the coral reef.
" Itinuturing na protektado ang dugong sa Palawan, kaya bawal itong hulihin o saktan ng sinuman. "
Natural Translation
The dugong is considered protected in Palawan, so it is forbidden for anyone to catch or harm it.
Literal Translation
Considered as protected the dugong in Palawan, so forbidden this to-catch or to-harm by anyone.
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