gapas
gapás with stress marks
cut (stalks) with a scythe
Usage Note
Gapas refers specifically to harvesting grain by cutting stalks at the base with a blade or scythe — a foundational activity in Philippine rice farming. The word is embedded in agricultural culture and appears in folk songs and literature about rural life and the harvest season.
Examples
" Gapas na ang palay. "
Natural Translation
It's time to cut the rice now.
Literal Translation
Cut already the rice.
" Mabilis ang gapas ng palay. "
Natural Translation
The cutting of rice stalks is fast.
Literal Translation
Fast the cut of rice-stalk.
" Tuwing tag-ani, sabay-sabay na naggagapas ang mga magsasaka sa bukid bago tuluyang umulan. "
Natural Translation
During harvest season, the farmers cut the rice stalks together in the field before the rains finally come.
Literal Translation
Every harvest-season, together cutting the farmers in field before fully rain.
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