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kambal

kambál with stress marks

twins

noun kam-BAL Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kambal is the standard Tagalog word for twins, used for both identical and fraternal pairs. Twins hold a special place in Filipino folklore — some regional traditions once considered twins a supernatural sign — and today the word is also used playfully for any two things or people that look identical.

Examples

Beginner

" Magkamukha ang dalawang kambal. "

Natural Translation

The two twins look alike.

Literal Translation

Alike the two twins.

Intermediate

" Nasaan ang kambal ni Ben? "

Natural Translation

Where is Ben's twin?

Literal Translation

Where the twin of Ben?

Advanced

" Bagaman magkambal sila, magkaiba ang kanilang ugali kaya madali silang makilala ng mga kaibigan. "

Natural Translation

Even though they are twins, their personalities are different, so their friends can easily tell them apart.

Literal Translation

Although twins they, different the their character so easy them recognize by-the friends.

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