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kanela

kanéla with stress marks

Ceylon cinnamon

noun ka-NE-la Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kanela is a Spanish loanword for cinnamon, used as a common spice in Filipino cooking — in stews like mechado and afritada as well as in hot drinks and baked holiday treats. The stick form is typical for cooking while powdered kanela is used in baking; it is considered a warm, aromatic spice associated with comfort food.

Examples

Beginner

" Naglagay siya ng kanela sa kape. "

Natural Translation

She added cinnamon to the coffee.

Literal Translation

Added she of cinnamon to-the coffee.

Intermediate

" Naglagay siya ng isang piraso ng kanela sa nilagang karne. "

Natural Translation

He/She added a piece of cinnamon to the braised meat.

Literal Translation

Added he/she a piece of cinnamon to-the braised meat.

Advanced

" Bumango ang buong bahay nang ihalo ng nanay ang durog na kanela sa minasang tinapay para sa Pasko. "

Natural Translation

The whole house smelled fragrant when mother mixed the ground cinnamon into the kneaded bread for Christmas.

Literal Translation

Became-fragrant the whole house when mixed by-the mother the ground that cinnamon into-the kneaded bread for the Christmas.

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