lamay
lámay with stress marks
funeral wake; night vigil; overtime work
Usage Note
Lamay primarily denotes the all-night wake held for a deceased person — a central Filipino mourning tradition where family and community gather for several nights before burial. By extension it can mean any prolonged night vigil or staying up late to work. The practice of lamay reflects the Filipino value of communal support during grief.
Examples
" Pupunta kami sa lamay mamaya. "
Natural Translation
We will go to the wake later.
Literal Translation
Will-go we to-the wake later.
" Pumunta siya sa lamay. "
Natural Translation
He went to the wake.
Literal Translation
Went he to-the wake.
" Buong magdamag kaming nagpuyat sa lamay ng aming lolo upang suportahan ang nagdadalamhating pamilya. "
Natural Translation
We stayed up all night at our grandfather's wake to support the grieving family.
Literal Translation
Whole overnight we stayed-awake at-the wake of our grandfather in-order-to support the grieving family.
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