diwa
díwa with stress marks
spirit; thought; essence
Usage Note
Diwa is a deeply philosophical Tagalog word encompassing the animating spirit, consciousness, or essential meaning behind something. It appears in literature, national slogans, and song titles — notably in Lupang Hinirang contexts and in discussions of Filipino identity. Saying someone captured the 'diwa' of a poem means they understood its deepest intent.
Examples
" Maganda ang diwa ng tula. "
Natural Translation
The spirit of the poem is beautiful.
Literal Translation
Beautiful the spirit of-the poem.
" Ang diwa ng awit ay tungkol sa pagmamahal sa bayan. "
Natural Translation
The essence of the song is about love for one's country.
Literal Translation
The spirit of-the song is about love to-the country.
" Naunawaan ng guro ang tunay na diwa ng tula bago niya ito ipaliwanag sa mga mag-aaral. "
Natural Translation
The teacher grasped the true essence of the poem before explaining it to the students.
Literal Translation
Understood by-the teacher the true essence of-the poem before he it explain to the students.
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