Usage Note
Bapor is derived from Spanish vapor (steamship) and refers to a large ship or ferry. As an archipelago nation, sea travel has been fundamental to Philippine life, and bapor is part of the everyday vocabulary of inter-island transport. The more modern barko is also common, but bapor retains use especially among older generations and in literary or historical contexts.
Examples
" Sumakay kami ng bapor. "
Natural Translation
We rode a ship.
Literal Translation
Rode we ship.
" Sumakay sila ng bapor para makarating sa Cebu mula Maynila. "
Natural Translation
They took a ship to get to Cebu from Manila.
Literal Translation
Rode they ship for reach the Cebu from Manila.
" Naabutan pa ng aking lola ang panahong ang bapor lamang ang paraan para makarating sa kabilang isla. "
Natural Translation
My grandmother still lived through the time when a ship was the only way to reach the other island.
Literal Translation
Lived-through still by-the my grandmother the time-that the ship only the way to reach in-the other island.
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