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iglesia

iglésia with stress marks

church

noun ig-LE-sya Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Iglesia is borrowed from Spanish and in the Philippines often specifically evokes a Catholic stone church, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It also forms part of the name of the indigenous Filipino denomination Iglesia ni Cristo.

Examples

Beginner

" Malaki ang iglesia sa bayan. "

Natural Translation

The church in the town is big.

Literal Translation

Big the church in town.

Intermediate

" Lumingon siya sa matandang iglesia sa gitna ng bayan. "

Natural Translation

He/She turned to look at the old church in the center of town.

Literal Translation

Turned-to-look he/she at-the old church in-the center of-the town.

Advanced

" Tuwing Linggo, nagtitipon ang buong pamilya sa lumang iglesia na itinayo pa noong panahon ng mga Espanyol. "

Natural Translation

Every Sunday, the whole family gathers at the old church that was built way back during the Spanish era.

Literal Translation

Every Sunday, gathers the whole family at-the old church that built still during time of the Spanish.

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