Usage Note
Alpa comes from Spanish arpa and refers to the harp, introduced to the Philippines during the colonial period and associated with classical and religious music. It features in some regional folk traditions, particularly in the Visayas, but is considered a formal concert instrument and rarely encountered in everyday life.
Examples
" Maganda ang tunog ng alpa. "
Natural Translation
The sound of the harp is beautiful.
Literal Translation
Beautiful the sound of harp.
" Tumugtog siya ng alpa sa konsyerto ng klasikal na musika. "
Natural Translation
He/She played the harp at the classical music concert.
Literal Translation
Played he/she of harp at-the concert of classical music.
" Tuwing may misa sa simbahan, tinutugtog ng matandang musikero ang alpa na minana niya pa sa kanyang ama. "
Natural Translation
Whenever there is a Mass at the church, the old musician plays the harp that he inherited from his father.
Literal Translation
Every-time there-is Mass at church, plays of-the old musician the harp that inherited he still from his father.
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