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lihi

líhi with stress marks

conception; pregnancy craving

noun LI-hi Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Lihi refers to the traditional Filipino belief that a pregnant woman's cravings, experiences, and observations can influence the appearance or character of her unborn child. This belief remains deeply embedded in folk culture across generations, and mothers are often said to have naglihi sa something to explain a child's traits.

Examples

Beginner

" Naglihi siya sa mangga. "

Natural Translation

She had a pregnancy craving for mangoes.

Literal Translation

Craved she on mango.

Intermediate

" Mahirap ang lihi niya. "

Natural Translation

His/Her craving is difficult.

Literal Translation

Hard the craving his/her.

Advanced

" Sabi ng lola, ang lihi ng ina sa magagandang bagay umano ay nakakaapekto sa magiging anyo ng sanggol. "

Natural Translation

Grandmother says a mother's pregnancy cravings for beautiful things supposedly affect the appearance of the baby.

Literal Translation

Says of grandmother, the craving of mother on beautiful things supposedly affects the will-be appearance of baby.

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