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tawa

táwa with stress marks

laughter; to laugh

noun verb TA-wa Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tawa is the root for essential words like tumawa (to laugh) and nakakatawa (funny), which are central to the humor-loving Filipino culture. It is frequently heard in social settings where laughter is a key way for people to bond.

Examples

Beginner

" Malakas ang tawa niya. "

Natural Translation

Her laughter is loud.

Literal Translation

Loud the laughter her.

Intermediate

" Nakakahawa ang kanyang tawa. "

Natural Translation

His laughter is contagious.

Literal Translation

Contagious his/her laughter.

Advanced

" Kahit pagod kami sa trabaho, ang masayang tawa ng mga bata ay nagpapagaan sa aming pakiramdam. "

Natural Translation

Even when we are tired from work, the children's joyful laughter lightens how we feel.

Literal Translation

Even tired we from work, the happy laughter of the children lightens to our feeling.

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