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labsa

labsâ with stress marks

almost spoiled (fish); overripe

noun adjective LAB-sa Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Labsa describes food — especially fish or fruit — that is on the verge of going bad: soft, beginning to smell, and losing its freshness. It is used as a warning in markets and kitchens that something must be cooked or consumed immediately before it becomes inedible.

Examples

Beginner

" Labsa na ang prutas. "

Natural Translation

The fruit is overripe already.

Literal Translation

Overripe already the fruit.

Intermediate

" Labsa na ang isda. "

Natural Translation

The fish is almost spoiled.

Literal Translation

Almost-spoiled already the fish.

Advanced

" Lutuin mo na agad ang isda habang hindi pa labsa, dahil sayang naman kung mabubulok pa ito. "

Natural Translation

Cook the fish right away while it is not yet almost spoiled, because it would be a waste if it ends up rotting.

Literal Translation

Cook you now immediately the fish while not yet almost-spoiled, because waste anyway if will-rot still it.

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