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wawa

wawâ with stress marks

estuary; delta; understanding

noun verb wa-WA Native origin Rare

Also means

As a verb, wawa can mean to understand or comprehend, functioning as a near synonym of watas in some regional usages.

Usage Note

Wawa primarily refers to an estuary or the mouth of a river where it meets the sea, and is found in many Philippine place names (e.g., Wawa Dam in Rizal). In some contexts, particularly in older or regional Tagalog, it also carries the meaning of comprehension or understanding.

Examples

Beginner

" Malapit kami sa wawa ng ilog. "

Natural Translation

We are near the river's estuary.

Literal Translation

Near we to estuary of river.

Intermediate

" Naglalaro ang mga bata malapit sa wawa ng ilog. "

Natural Translation

The children were playing near the estuary of the river.

Literal Translation

Playing the children near the estuary of-the river.

Advanced

" Sa wawa kung saan nagtatagpo ang ilog at dagat, mas maalat ang tubig at sagana sa iba't ibang isda. "

Natural Translation

At the estuary where the river and the sea meet, the water is saltier and rich in various kinds of fish.

Literal Translation

At estuary where meet the river and sea, more salty the water and abundant in various fish.

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