Usage Note
Kugon is Imperata cylindrica, a tall coarse grass that grows in open fields and degraded land throughout the Philippines. Historically used to thatch roofs of traditional houses, it is now more associated with unproductive or fire-prone land — and the English word 'cogon' is itself borrowed from this Tagalog term.
Examples
" Mataas ang kugon sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
The cogon grass in the field is tall.
Literal Translation
Tall the cogon-grass in-the field.
" Puno ng kugon ang bakanteng lote sa tabi ng kalsada. "
Natural Translation
The vacant lot beside the road is full of cogon grass.
Literal Translation
Full of-cogon-grass the vacant lot beside of-the road.
" Noong unang panahon, ginagamit ang kugon bilang bubong ng mga bahay-kubo, ngunit ngayon ito ay tanda na lamang ng tigang na lupa. "
Natural Translation
In the old days, cogon grass was used as the roof of nipa huts, but nowadays it is merely a sign of barren land.
Literal Translation
In-the old time, used the cogon-grass as roof of the nipa-huts, but now it is sign only of barren land.
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