Usage Note
Hawa refers to contagion, infection, or contamination — either physical illness or metaphorical influence from bad habits and attitudes. The concept of 'mahawa' is used broadly: one can be hawa by disease, bad company, or even good traits, making it a versatile word in both health and moral discourse.
Examples
" Nahawa ako sa ubo niya. "
Natural Translation
I caught his/her cough.
Literal Translation
Got-infected I from cough his/her.
" Ang hawa ng sakit ay mabilis. "
Natural Translation
The infection of the disease is fast.
Literal Translation
The infect of illness is fast.
" Mabilis kumalat ang hawa ng trangkaso sa paaralan dahil hindi naka-mask ang mga bata. "
Natural Translation
The flu infection spread quickly through the school because the children weren't wearing masks.
Literal Translation
Fast spread the infection of flu in school because not wearing-mask the children.
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