sungay
súngay with stress marks
horn (of an animal)
Usage Note
Sungay refers to the hard, bony protrusion on animals like carabaos, cows, and goats. The carabao's sungay is a common motif in Philippine art and crafts — combs and decorative items are often carved from carabao horn. It also appears in figurative expressions describing sharpness or stubbornness.
Examples
" Matulis ang sungay ng baka. "
Natural Translation
The cow's horn is sharp.
Literal Translation
Sharp the horn of cow.
" Mahaba ang sungay ng kambing. "
Natural Translation
The horn of the goat is long.
Literal Translation
Long the horn of goat.
" Ginagamit ng mga artesano ang sungay ng kalabaw upang gumawa ng mga magagandang suklay at palamuti. "
Natural Translation
Artisans use carabao horn to make beautiful combs and decorations.
Literal Translation
Use the artisans the horn of carabao to make of the beautiful combs and decorations.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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