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kawayan

kawáyan with stress marks

bamboo

noun ka-WA-yan Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kawayan (bamboo) is one of the most versatile and culturally significant plants in the Philippines. It is used in construction, furniture, weaving, food (bamboo shoots are called 'labong'), musical instruments, and traditional crafts. Entire houses in rural areas are built from kawayan.

Examples

Beginner

" Matibay ang kawayan. "

Natural Translation

Bamboo is strong.

Literal Translation

Strong the bamboo.

Intermediate

" Gawa sa kawayan ang harang ng bakuran nila. "

Natural Translation

Their yard fence is made of bamboo.

Literal Translation

Made from bamboo the fence of-the yard their.

Advanced

" Sa probinsya, marami pa ring bahay ang gawa sa kawayan dahil mura ito at madaling makuha. "

Natural Translation

In the province, many houses are still made of bamboo because it is cheap and easy to obtain.

Literal Translation

In province, many still also house the made from bamboo because cheap it and easy to-obtain.

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