Usage Note
Usa is the Tagalog word for deer, native to Philippine forests. Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus) are found on several islands and appear in folk tales and legends. The word also features in place names and metaphors for swiftness.
Examples
" May usa sa parke. "
Natural Translation
There is a deer in the park.
Literal Translation
Have deer in-the park.
" Nakakita kami ng usa sa loob ng gubat. "
Natural Translation
We saw a deer inside the forest.
Literal Translation
Saw we of deer in-the inside of-the forest.
" Mabilis tumakbo ang usa papasok sa kakahuyan nang marinig nito ang yabag ng mga mangangaso. "
Natural Translation
The deer ran swiftly into the woods when it heard the footsteps of the hunters.
Literal Translation
Fast ran the deer going-into the woods when heard this the footstep of the hunters.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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