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naptalina

naptalína with stress marks

naphthalene mothball

noun nap-ta-LI-na Spanish origin Rare

Usage Note

Naptalina is borrowed from Spanish naftalina and refers to the white solid balls placed in closets to repel moths and insects from stored clothing. It is a familiar household item in Filipino homes, especially for protecting traditional barong Tagalog and other special garments.

Examples

Beginner

" May naptalina sa kabinet. "

Natural Translation

There are mothballs in the cabinet.

Literal Translation

Has mothball in cabinet.

Intermediate

" Naglagay si nanay ng naptalina sa kabinet upang hindi pamahayan ng ipis. "

Natural Translation

Mother put mothball in the cabinet so cockroaches won't live there.

Literal Translation

Put mother of mothball in cabinet in-order not live of cockroach.

Advanced

" Naglalagay ang lola ko ng naptalina sa bawat aparador upang hindi sirain ng gamu-gamo ang mga lumang barong Tagalog. "

Natural Translation

My grandmother puts mothballs in every wardrobe so that moths won't ruin the old barong Tagalog.

Literal Translation

Putting the grandmother my of mothball in each wardrobe in-order not ruin of moth the plural old barong Tagalog.

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