gawgaw
gawgáw with stress marks
starch, cornstarch
Usage Note
Gawgaw is the common term for starch — primarily cornstarch — used as a thickening agent in Filipino cooking (soups, sauces, and desserts). It is also used for starching laundry to give clothes a crisp finish, a practice still common in the Philippines. The reduplicated form reflects its gooey, sticky texture when mixed with water.
Examples
" Kulang ang gawgaw sa sabaw. "
Natural Translation
There isn't enough cornstarch in the broth.
Literal Translation
Lacking the starch in-the broth.
" Magdagdag ng kaunting gawgaw para lumapot ang sabaw. "
Natural Translation
Add a little cornstarch to thicken the broth.
Literal Translation
Add-of little starch so-that thicken the broth.
" Kung gusto mong lumapot ang sauce, haluan mo ng kaunting gawgaw na pinatunaw muna sa malamig na tubig. "
Natural Translation
If you want the sauce to thicken, mix in a little cornstarch first dissolved in cold water.
Literal Translation
If want you-that thicken the sauce, mix you of little starch that dissolved first in cold water.
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