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tuka

túka with stress marks

beak; bill of a fowl; to peck

noun verb TU-ka Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tuka describes both the beak of a bird and the action of pecking, and is highly practical in rural and agricultural contexts where chickens and ducks forage. Figuratively it can describe someone eating in small, birdlike bites, often used affectionately about children who eat little.

Examples

Beginner

" Maganda ang tuka ng ibon. "

Natural Translation

The bird's beak is beautiful.

Literal Translation

Beautiful the beak of bird.

Intermediate

" Mahaba ang tuka ng ibon. "

Natural Translation

The beak of the bird is long.

Literal Translation

Long the beak of bird.

Advanced

" Gamit ang matulis nitong tuka, mabilis na natuka ng manok ang mga butil ng palay sa lupa. "

Natural Translation

Using its pointed beak, the chicken quickly pecked the grains of rice on the ground.

Literal Translation

Using the pointed its beak, quickly pecked of-the chicken the grains of rice on ground.

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