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ilang-ilang

ilang-ílang with stress marks

perfume tree or Macassar-oil plant

noun i-lang-I-lang Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Ilang-ilang is the ylang-ylang tree whose intensely fragrant yellow flowers are among the most iconic in Philippine culture — strung into garlands, used in religious offerings, and distilled into perfume oil exported worldwide. The scent is a common memory trigger for Filipino diaspora.

Examples

Beginner

" Mabango ang ilang-ilang. "

Natural Translation

The ilang-ilang smells nice.

Literal Translation

Fragrant the ilang-ilang.

Intermediate

" Mabango ang bulaklak ng ilang-ilang sa hardin. "

Natural Translation

The ilang-ilang flowers in the garden smell wonderful.

Literal Translation

Fragrant the flower of-the ilang-ilang in-the garden.

Advanced

" Tuwing naaamoy ko ang ilang-ilang, naaalala ko agad ang hardin ng aking lola noong bata pa ako. "

Natural Translation

Whenever I smell ilang-ilang, I immediately remember my grandmother's garden when I was still a child.

Literal Translation

Whenever smell I the ilang-ilang, can-remember I right-away the garden of my grandmother when child still I.

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