niknik
nikník with stress marks
tiny blood-sucking gnat
Usage Note
Niknik refers to the tiny, nearly invisible biting gnats (midges or no-see-ums) that are a common nuisance in coastal and forested areas of the Philippines. Despite their minuscule size, their bites cause persistent itching. The word is well known to anyone who has spent time outdoors in the Philippines.
Examples
" Maraming niknik sa tabing-dagat. "
Natural Translation
There are a lot of gnats at the beach.
Literal Translation
Many gnat at-the beach-side.
" Puno ng niknik ang paligid ng ilog. "
Natural Translation
The area around the river is full of gnats.
Literal Translation
Full of gnats the surroundings of river.
" Bagama't napakaliit ng niknik na halos hindi mo makita, ang kati ng kagat nito ay tumatagal nang ilang araw. "
Natural Translation
Even though the gnat is so tiny that you can barely see it, the itch from its bite lasts for several days.
Literal Translation
Although very-small the gnat that almost not you see, the itch of bite its lasts for some days.
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