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himbubuli

himbubúli with stress marks

a kind of chameleon

noun him-bu-BU-li Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Himbubuli refers to a small color-changing lizard native to the Philippines, similar to a chameleon. In folklore and children's speech it is sometimes regarded with curiosity or mild superstition, and while familiar in rural or forested areas it is less commonly encountered in everyday urban speech.

Examples

Beginner

" May himbubuli sa puno. "

Natural Translation

There is a chameleon on the tree.

Literal Translation

Has chameleon on tree.

Intermediate

" Nakita ng mga bata ang himbubuli na nagbabago ng kulay sa puno. "

Natural Translation

The children saw the chameleon changing color on the tree.

Literal Translation

Saw the children the chameleon changing color on-the tree.

Advanced

" Nagtago ang himbubuli sa mga dahon at nagbago ng kulay upang hindi makita ng mga ibon. "

Natural Translation

The chameleon hid among the leaves and changed color so that the birds would not see it.

Literal Translation

Hid the chameleon in plural leaf and changed of color so-that not be-seen by-the plural bird.

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