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kolehiyala

kolehiyála with stress marks

female college student

noun ko-le-hi-YA-la Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kolehiyala refers to a female college or university student, derived from Spanish colegio. Beyond the literal meaning, the word carries connotations of youth, education, and an urban middle-class lifestyle, and appears frequently in pop culture and advertising targeting young women; kolehiyalo is the corresponding term for men.

Examples

Beginner

" Kolehiyala ang ate ko. "

Natural Translation

My older sister is a college girl.

Literal Translation

College-girl the older-sister my.

Intermediate

" Maraming kolehiyala ang namimili sa mallang iyon tuwing Sabado. "

Natural Translation

Many college girls shop at that mall every Saturday.

Literal Translation

Many college-girls the shopping at-the mall that every Saturday.

Advanced

" Bagaman kolehiyala pa lang siya, nagtatrabaho na siya tuwing gabi para may pambayad sa kanyang matrikula. "

Natural Translation

Although she's still just a college student, she already works every night so she can pay her tuition.

Literal Translation

Although college-girl still only she, working already she every night so has money-to-pay for her tuition.

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