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langaw

lángaw with stress marks

fly (insect)

noun LA-ngaw Native origin Less Common
Illustration of "langaw" (fly (insect))

Usage Note

Langaw is the general term for common houseflies and is frequently mentioned in the context of food hygiene. It is also used in the idiomatic expression "nilalangaw" to describe a business or event that is failing to attract any customers or people.

Examples

Beginner

" May langaw sa mesa. "

Natural Translation

There is a fly on the table.

Literal Translation

Has fly on table.

Intermediate

" May langaw sa pagkain. "

Natural Translation

There is a fly in the food.

Literal Translation

Has fly in food.

Advanced

" Kapag hindi natatakpan ang pagkain, dumarami ang mga langaw na nagdadala ng sakit sa bahay. "

Natural Translation

When food is left uncovered, the flies that carry disease into the house multiply.

Literal Translation

When not covered the food, multiply the flies that-carry of sickness in house.

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