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sila

silá with stress marks

they

pronoun si-LA Native origin Common
Illustration of "sila" (they)

Usage Note

Sila primarily means 'they,' but it is also used to refer to a single person as a sign of high respect. This usage is common when speaking about or to elders, bosses, or people in positions of authority.

Examples

Beginner

" Sila ay magkapatid. "

Natural Translation

They are siblings.

Literal Translation

They are siblings.

Intermediate

" Sila ay naglalaro. "

Natural Translation

They are playing.

Literal Translation

They are playing.

Advanced

" Hindi sila makakapunta ngayon dahil may inaasikaso silang mahalagang gawain sa opisina. "

Natural Translation

They can't come today because they have important work to attend to at the office.

Literal Translation

Not they can-go now because have attending-to they important task at office.

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