siyokoy
siyókoy with stress marks
merman
Usage Note
Siyokoy is a creature from Filipino folklore — a male water spirit or merman, half-man and half-fish, said to inhabit rivers, lakes, and the sea. Unlike the romanticized mermaid of Western tradition, the siyokoy is generally depicted as sinister, dragging people underwater, and remains a popular figure in Philippine mythology and modern fantasy literature.
Examples
" May siyokoy sa dagat. "
Natural Translation
There is a merman in the sea.
Literal Translation
Has merman in sea.
" May kwento tungkol sa siyokoy sa dagat. "
Natural Translation
There is a story about a merman in the sea.
Literal Translation
Has story about merman in sea.
" Ayon sa alamat, naninirahan ang siyokoy sa ilalim ng dagat at hinihila pababa ang mga mangingisdang lumalapit. "
Natural Translation
According to legend, the merman dwells beneath the sea and drags down the fishermen who come near.
Literal Translation
According to legend, dwells the merman at bottom of sea and drags down the fishermen that approach.
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