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hikab

hikáb with stress marks

yawn

noun verb hi-KAB Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Hikab is commonly used in its verb form, humikab, to describe the act of yawning when tired or bored. In Filipino culture, it is considered polite to cover your mouth with your hand when doing so in public.

Examples

Beginner

" Malalim ang hikab niya. "

Natural Translation

His/Her yawn is deep.

Literal Translation

Deep the yawn his/her.

Intermediate

" Malalim ang kaniyang hikab. "

Natural Translation

His/Her yawn was deep.

Literal Translation

Deep the his/her yawn.

Advanced

" Sa tindi ng pagod, hindi na niya napigilan ang sunod-sunod na hikab sa gitna ng pulong. "

Natural Translation

Out of sheer exhaustion, he/she could no longer hold back the repeated yawns in the middle of the meeting.

Literal Translation

In intensity of tiredness, not anymore he/she stopped the one-after-another yawn in middle of meeting.

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