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kalaw

kaláw with stress marks

rufous hornbill (bird)

noun ka-LAW Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kalaw (Buceros hydrocorax), also known as the Philippine hornbill, is a large, iconic bird endemic to the Philippines whose distinctive call is said to sound like its own name. In Philippine folklore, hearing the kalaw's call at an unusual time is considered an omen, and it is a symbol of Philippine biodiversity increasingly threatened by habitat loss.

Examples

Beginner

" Malaki ang ibon na kalaw. "

Natural Translation

The hornbill is a big bird.

Literal Translation

Big the bird linker hornbill.

Intermediate

" Bihira na ang kalaw sa mga kagubatan ng Mindanao. "

Natural Translation

The hornbill is now rare in the forests of Mindanao.

Literal Translation

Rare already the hornbill in-the forests of Mindanao.

Advanced

" Sinasabi ng matatanda na kapag umiyak ang kalaw sa hatinggabi, may darating na masamang balita. "

Natural Translation

The elders say that when the hornbill cries at midnight, bad news is coming.

Literal Translation

Said by elders that when cry the hornbill at midnight, have arriving linker bad news.

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