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singkamas

singkámas with stress marks

yam bean; local turnip

noun sing-KA-mas Native origin Common

Usage Note

Singkamas (jicama) is a crunchy, sweet root vegetable popular as a street snack in the Philippines, typically eaten raw with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) or vinegar and salt. It is refreshing and widely available at markets and from street vendors.

Examples

Beginner

" Masarap ang singkamas. "

Natural Translation

The yam bean is delicious.

Literal Translation

Delicious the yam-bean.

Intermediate

" Matamis ang singkamas na ito. "

Natural Translation

This yam bean is sweet.

Literal Translation

Sweet the yam bean this.

Advanced

" Tuwing tag-init, gusto kong kumain ng sariwang singkamas na may konting asin dahil malamig ito at nakakawala ng uhaw. "

Natural Translation

Every summer, I like to eat fresh yam bean with a little salt because it is cool and quenches thirst.

Literal Translation

Every summer, like I to-eat of fresh yam-bean that with little salt because cool this and removing of thirst.

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