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hilahil

hiláhil with stress marks

hardship, tribulation

noun hi-LA-hil Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Hilahil is a somewhat literary or poetic word for suffering, hardship, or prolonged tribulation — conveying sustained difficulty rather than a sudden crisis. It is found in classical Tagalog literature, prayers, and formal speeches reflecting on life's struggles.

Examples

Beginner

" Maraming hilahil sa buhay. "

Natural Translation

There are many hardships in life.

Literal Translation

Many hardships in life.

Intermediate

" Sa kabila ng lahat ng hilahil, nanatiling matatag ang pamilya. "

Natural Translation

Despite all the hardships, the family remained strong.

Literal Translation

In-spite-of all the hardships, remained strong the family.

Advanced

" Sa kabila ng matinding hilahil na kanilang dinaanan, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa ang mag-anak na patuloy pa ring nagsusumikap. "

Natural Translation

Despite the severe hardships they went through, the family did not lose hope and kept on striving.

Literal Translation

In-spite-of of severe hardship that their passed-through, not lost of hope the family that continued still also striving.

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