kalabaw
kalabáw with stress marks
water buffalo
Usage Note
Kalabaw is the national animal of the Philippines, traditionally used by farmers to plow rice fields. It also anchors the idiom kayod-kalabaw, which describes someone who toils relentlessly like a draft animal.
Examples
" Kumakain ng damo ang kalabaw. "
Natural Translation
The water buffalo is eating grass.
Literal Translation
Eating of grass the water-buffalo.
" Malakas ang kalabaw. "
Natural Translation
The water buffalo is strong.
Literal Translation
Strong the water buffalo.
" Tuwing umaga, dinadala ng magsasaka ang kanyang kalabaw sa bukid upang araruhin ang basang palayan. "
Natural Translation
Every morning, the farmer brings his water buffalo to the field to plow the wet rice paddies.
Literal Translation
Every morning, brings of farmer the his water-buffalo at field in-order-to plow the wet rice-field.
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