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motel

motél with stress marks

motel

noun mo-TEL English origin Less Common

Usage Note

Motel in the Philippines carries a distinct cultural connotation: it typically refers to short-stay lodging rented by the hour for romantic or intimate encounters rather than roadside accommodation for travelers. Using the word in polite or formal company can raise eyebrows.

Examples

Beginner

" Malapit ang motel sa kanto. "

Natural Translation

The motel is near the corner.

Literal Translation

Near the motel at corner.

Intermediate

" Napilitan kaming matulog sa isang motel dahil inabot kami ng gabi sa byahe. "

Natural Translation

We were forced to sleep in a motel because we were caught by the night during our trip.

Literal Translation

Forced we to-sleep in one motel because caught we of night in trip.

Advanced

" Dahil malayo pa ang aming patutunguhan at hatinggabi na, napagkasunduan naming magpalipas ng gabi sa isang motel. "

Natural Translation

Because our destination was still far and it was already midnight, we agreed to spend the night at a motel.

Literal Translation

Because far still the our destination and midnight already, agreed we to-spend of night in one motel.

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