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tambo

tambô with stress marks

reed used for brooms; the broom itself

noun tam-BÔ Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tambo refers to the tall grass (Saccharum spontaneum) whose stalks are bundled to make traditional Filipino walis (brooms), specifically the walis tambo used indoors for sweeping fine dust. The walis tambo is a household staple across the Philippines and a common sight in Filipino homes.

Examples

Beginner

" Linisin mo gamit ang tambo. "

Natural Translation

Clean it using the reed broom.

Literal Translation

Clean you using the reed-broom.

Intermediate

" Bumili ako ng walis tambo kahapon. "

Natural Translation

I bought a reed broom yesterday.

Literal Translation

Bought I of broom reed yesterday.

Advanced

" Ginagamit namin ang walis tambo sa loob ng bahay dahil mas mahusay itong magtipon ng pinong alikabok sa sahig. "

Natural Translation

We use the reed broom inside the house because it is better at gathering fine dust on the floor.

Literal Translation

Use we the broom reed in inside of house because more good it gather of fine dust on floor.

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