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pawikan

pawíkan with stress marks

sea turtle

noun pa-WI-kan Native origin Less Common
Illustration of "pawikan" (sea turtle)

Usage Note

Pawikan are strictly protected under Philippine law, and many coastal provinces have dedicated sanctuaries for their nesting. They are distinct from land turtles (pagong) and are celebrated in local festivals as symbols of longevity and marine biodiversity.

Examples

Beginner

" May pawikan sa baybayin. "

Natural Translation

There is a sea turtle on the shore.

Literal Translation

Have sea-turtle on shore.

Intermediate

" Nakakita kami ng pawikan sa dagat. "

Natural Translation

We saw a sea turtle in the ocean.

Literal Translation

Saw we of sea turtle in sea.

Advanced

" Bawal hulihin ang pawikan sa atin dahil protektado ito ng batas at nanganganib na mawala sa ating mga dagat. "

Natural Translation

It is forbidden to catch sea turtles here because they are protected by law and are in danger of disappearing from our seas.

Literal Translation

Forbidden catch the sea-turtle in us because protected it by law and endangered to disappear from our seas.

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