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santan

sántán with stress marks

jungle geranium flowering shrub

noun SAN-tan Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Santan (Ixora coccinea) is one of the most recognizable flowering shrubs in the Philippines, commonly planted along fences, gardens, and roadsides for its bright red, orange, or yellow clusters. Children traditionally pull and suck the nectar from the tiny tubular flowers. It is a symbol of simple rural childhood.

Examples

Beginner

" Pula ang bulaklak ng santan. "

Natural Translation

The santan flower is red.

Literal Translation

Red the flower of santan.

Intermediate

" Maraming santan sa hardin. "

Natural Translation

There are many santan flowers in the garden.

Literal Translation

Many santan in garden.

Advanced

" Tuwing bakasyon sa probinsya, sinisipsip namin ang tamis ng santan na tumutubo sa tabi ng bakod. "

Natural Translation

Every vacation in the province, we would suck the sweetness from the santan growing beside the fence.

Literal Translation

Every vacation in province, sucking we the sweetness of santan that growing at side of fence.

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