opyo
ópyo with stress marks
opium; addictive narcotic
Usage Note
Opyo is borrowed from Spanish 'opio' and was a significant issue during the Spanish and American colonial periods in the Philippines. Today the term appears mainly in historical, literary, and anti-drug education contexts, and the figurative phrase 'opyo ng bayan' is used to describe anything seen as a numbing distraction for the public.
Examples
" Bawal ang opyo dito. "
Natural Translation
Opium is banned here.
Literal Translation
Prohibited the opium here.
" Ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng opyo sa ating bansa. "
Natural Translation
The use of opium is prohibited in our country.
Literal Translation
Prohibited the use of opium in our country.
" Sinabi ng manunulat na ang walang-tigil na libangan ay naging opyo ng bayan na nagpapatulala sa mga tao. "
Natural Translation
The writer said that nonstop entertainment has become the opium of the masses that numbs the people.
Literal Translation
Said by-writer that the without-stop entertainment is became opium of-nation that numbs to the people.
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