duwende
duwénde with stress marks
dwarf
Usage Note
Duwende is borrowed from Spanish duende and in Filipino folklore refers to small supernatural beings — sometimes benevolent, sometimes mischievous — that live in anthills, trees, or old houses. Children are warned not to disturb these spots without saying tabi-tabi po to avoid the duwende's wrath, which is said to cause illness.
Examples
" May duwende raw sa puno. "
Natural Translation
They say there's a dwarf in the tree.
Literal Translation
Has dwarf they-say in-the tree.
" Sinabi ng lola na huwag galawin ang punso dahil naroon daw ang mga duwende. "
Natural Translation
Grandmother said not to touch the anthill because the dwarves supposedly live there.
Literal Translation
Said the-by grandmother that not touch the anthill because there-are they-say the duwende.
" Naniniwala pa rin ang ilang matatanda na nakatira ang mga duwende sa lumang punso sa likod-bahay. "
Natural Translation
Some elders still believe that dwarves live in the old anthill behind the house.
Literal Translation
Believe still also the some elders that live the dwarves in old anthill at back-house.
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