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wika

wikà with stress marks

language; to say

noun verb wi-KA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Wika is the formal and literary word for language or tongue, central to Filipino national identity discourse. 'Pambansang wika' (national language) refers to Filipino. As a verb, it is a literary or archaic form meaning 'said' or 'to say,' frequently seen in classical Tagalog texts and poetry. Buwan ng Wika (Language Month) is celebrated every August in the Philippines.

Examples

Beginner

" Maganda ang wika natin. "

Natural Translation

Our language is beautiful.

Literal Translation

Beautiful the language our.

Intermediate

" Ang Filipino ang pambansang wika ng Pilipinas. "

Natural Translation

Filipino is the national language of the Philippines.

Literal Translation

The Filipino the national language of-the Philippines.

Advanced

" Mahalagang pangalagaan ang ating wika dahil ito ang nagbibigkis sa atin bilang iisang bansa. "

Natural Translation

It is important to protect our language because it is what binds us together as one nation.

Literal Translation

Important to-protect the our language because it the binds to us as one nation.

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