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higad

hígad with stress marks

hairy caterpillar

noun HI-gad Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Higad refers specifically to hairy or spiny caterpillars, common in Philippine gardens and agricultural areas. Children are often warned about higad because contact with their bristles can cause skin irritation, giving the word a tone of both curiosity and caution.

Examples

Beginner

" May higad sa dahon. "

Natural Translation

There's a caterpillar on the leaf.

Literal Translation

Has caterpillar on leaf.

Intermediate

" Huwag hawakan ang higad dahil maaaring manggati ang balat mo. "

Natural Translation

Don't touch the caterpillar because it might irritate your skin.

Literal Translation

Don't touch the caterpillar because might-itch the skin your.

Advanced

" Pinagsabihan ng nanay ang mga bata na huwag dumampi sa higad dahil ang balahibo nito ay nagdudulot ng matinding pangangati. "

Natural Translation

The mother warned the children not to touch the caterpillar because its bristles cause intense itching.

Literal Translation

Warned the mother the children to not touch to caterpillar because the bristles its cause of intense itching.

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