kapatas
kapátas with stress marks
foreman
Usage Note
Kapatas is from Spanish capataz and refers to a foreman or overseer, traditionally on a farm, plantation, or construction site. In Philippine history the kapatas was a figure of local authority under the hacienda system during the colonial period, and the term can still carry connotations of petty or delegated power.
Examples
" Mabait ang aming kapatas. "
Natural Translation
Our foreman is kind.
Literal Translation
Kind the our foreman.
" Ang kapatas ng bukid ay nag-utos sa mga manggagawa. "
Natural Translation
The farm foreman gave orders to the workers.
Literal Translation
The foreman of-the farm ordered to the workers.
" Bagaman mahigpit ang kapatas sa oras ng pagpasok, iginagalang siya ng mga manggagawa dahil patas siyang makitungo sa lahat. "
Natural Translation
Although the foreman is strict about arrival time, the workers respect him because he deals with everyone fairly.
Literal Translation
Although strict the foreman at time of arrival, respected he by-the workers because fair he deal-with to all.
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