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silbato

silbáto with stress marks

a whistle; sound of a siren

noun verb sil-BA-to Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Silbato is borrowed from Spanish silbato and refers both to the physical whistle instrument and the sharp, piercing sound it makes. It is common in sports, traffic control, and emergency contexts across the Philippines.

Examples

Beginner

" Hinipan niya ang silbato. "

Natural Translation

He blew the whistle.

Literal Translation

Blew he the whistle.

Intermediate

" Narinig namin ang silbato ng pulis. "

Natural Translation

We heard the whistle of the police.

Literal Translation

Heard we the whistle of police.

Advanced

" Nang hinipan ng referee ang silbato, huminto ang lahat ng manlalaro at nagtipon sa gitna ng larangan. "

Natural Translation

When the referee blew the whistle, all the players stopped and gathered in the middle of the field.

Literal Translation

When blew the referee the whistle, stopped all of player and gathered in middle of field.

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