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halaya

haláya with stress marks

sweetened root-crop

noun ha-LA-ya Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Halaya is from Spanish jalea (jelly, jam) and in the Philippine context specifically refers to a thick, sweet preserve made from ube (purple yam) or other root crops cooked with coconut milk and sugar. Ube halaya is a beloved Filipino dessert and a staple at fiestas, family gatherings, and as a filling in pastries and cakes.

Examples

Beginner

" Masarap ang ube halaya. "

Natural Translation

Ube jam is delicious.

Literal Translation

Delicious the ube jam.

Intermediate

" Gawa ng nanay namin ang ube halaya para sa Pasko. "

Natural Translation

Our mother made ube halaya for Christmas.

Literal Translation

Made our mother the ube halaya for Christmas.

Advanced

" Tuwing Pasko, gumagawa ang lola ko ng halaya na ipinamimigay niya sa mga kapitbahay. "

Natural Translation

Every Christmas, my grandmother makes jam that she gives out to the neighbors.

Literal Translation

Every Christmas, makes the grandmother my of jam that gives-out she to the neighbors.

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