Usage Note
Koliseo, borrowed from Spanish coliseo, traditionally refers in the Philippines to a cockfighting arena — a legal and culturally significant pastime — though it can also denote large entertainment venues or sports arenas. Learners should be aware that the cockfighting sense is the first meaning many Filipinos will reach for.
Examples
" Malaki ang koliseo sa amin. "
Natural Translation
The arena in our town is big.
Literal Translation
Big the arena in us.
" Puno ang koliseo tuwing may sabong. "
Natural Translation
The coliseum is always full during cockfights.
Literal Translation
Full the coliseum every-time there-is cockfight.
" Tuwing pista, dinarayo ng mga manunugal ang koliseo dahil doon ginaganap ang pinakamalaking sabong sa lalawigan. "
Natural Translation
During the fiesta, gamblers flock to the arena because the biggest cockfight in the province is held there.
Literal Translation
Every fiesta, flocked-to by-the gamblers the arena because there held the biggest cockfight in-the province.
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