sigwa
sígwà with stress marks
a storm, tempest, or typhoon
Usage Note
Sigwa is a poetic and literary word for a violent storm or tempest. While bagyo is the everyday word for typhoon, sigwa evokes greater ferocity and chaos, and is favored in poetry, song, and formal writing for dramatic effect — fitting for a country that experiences an average of twenty typhoons per year.
Examples
" Malakas ang sigwa kagabi. "
Natural Translation
The storm last night was strong.
Literal Translation
Strong the storm last-night.
" Nasira ang mga pananim dahil sa malakas na sigwa. "
Natural Translation
The crops were destroyed because of the strong storm.
Literal Translation
Destroyed the crops because of strong storm.
" Inilarawan ng makata ang sigwa bilang simbolo ng paghihimagsik ng bayan laban sa mapaniil na pamahalaan. "
Natural Translation
The poet portrayed the tempest as a symbol of the people's uprising against the oppressive government.
Literal Translation
Portrayed by-the poet the tempest as symbol of uprising of-the people against the oppressive that government.
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