Usage Note
Kaktus is borrowed from English cactus (ultimately from Greek kaktos) and refers to cactus plants that are commonly kept as low-maintenance ornamentals in Filipino homes. They are popular because of their resilience in the hot, sometimes dry Philippine climate, and small potted kaktus are a fixture on windowsills and office desks.
Examples
" May maliit akong kaktus. "
Natural Translation
I have a small cactus.
Literal Translation
Have small I-that cactus.
" May kaktus siyang nakatanim sa bintana. "
Natural Translation
He/She has a cactus planted by the window.
Literal Translation
Has cactus he/she-that planted at-the window.
" Pinili niyang magtanim ng kaktus sa opisina dahil madali itong alagaan kahit madalas niyang makalimutang diligan. "
Natural Translation
She chose to grow a cactus in the office because it's easy to care for even though she often forgets to water it.
Literal Translation
Chose she-that plant of cactus in-the office because easy this-that care-for even-though often she-that forget-to water.
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