Usage Note
Uhay refers to the mature stalks of grain plants — most commonly palay (rice) — bearing the seed heads ready for harvest. It appears in agricultural contexts and in traditional Filipino poetry and folk songs that celebrate rice farming. The image of golden uhay swaying in the field is a common symbol of abundance and the harvest season.
Examples
" Hinog na ang mga uhay ng palay. "
Natural Translation
The rice grain stalks are already ripe.
Literal Translation
Ripe already the stalks of rice.
" Nagniningning ang mga uhay ng palay sa liwanag ng araw. "
Natural Translation
The rice stalks gleam in the sunlight.
Literal Translation
Gleaming the stalks of-the rice in-the light of-the sun.
" Yumuyuko ang mga uhay ng palay dahil sa bigat ng mga butil na handa nang anihin. "
Natural Translation
The rice stalks bow down because of the weight of the grains that are ready to be harvested.
Literal Translation
Bowing the stalks of rice because of weight of the grains that ready already to-harvest.
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