talahib
talahíb with stress marks
common coarse grass
Usage Note
Talahib (Saccharum spontaneum) is the tall, coarse wild grass that colonizes vacant lots, roadsides, and fields across the Philippines. Its sharp edges can cut the skin. 'Damong talahib' evokes an overgrown, neglected place. Despite being considered a weed, its stalks have traditional uses in weaving and thatching in rural communities.
Examples
" Marami ang talahib sa lote. "
Natural Translation
There is a lot of coarse grass in the lot.
Literal Translation
Many the coarse-grass in lot.
" Mataas na ang talahib sa likod ng bahay. "
Natural Translation
The coarse grass behind the house is already high.
Literal Translation
High already the coarse-grass at back of house.
" Matagal nang walang nakatira sa lumang bahay kaya tinubuan na ito ng matataas na talahib na umabot hanggang baywang. "
Natural Translation
No one has lived in the old house for a long time, so it has become overgrown with tall coarse grass that reaches up to the waist.
Literal Translation
Long-time already none living in old house so grown already it of tall coarse-grass that reached up-to waist.
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