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tuko

túko with stress marks

gecko

noun TU-ko Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tuko is the large tokay gecko, named onomatopoeically for its distinctive loud call, and a familiar presence in Filipino homes where it is considered by some a good omen. It is also the subject of a persistent urban myth that pharmaceutical companies pay enormous sums for large geckos, which has fueled illegal wildlife trading.

Examples

Beginner

" Malaki ang tukong iyon. "

Natural Translation

That gecko is big.

Literal Translation

Big the gecko that.

Intermediate

" May tuko sa kisame ng bahay. "

Natural Translation

There is a gecko on the ceiling of the house.

Literal Translation

Has gecko on ceiling of house.

Advanced

" Tuwing gabi, naririnig namin ang tuko sa labas, kaya minsan nahihirapan kaming makatulog dahil sa lakas ng tunog nito. "

Natural Translation

Every night, we hear the gecko outside, so sometimes we have a hard time sleeping because of how loud its sound is.

Literal Translation

Every night, hear we the gecko at outside, so sometimes hard-pressed we to-sleep because of loudness of sound its.

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