Usage Note
Kapis refers to the windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta), a flat, translucent shellfish native to Philippine coastal waters. Kapis shells were historically used as window panes before glass became widespread, and remain iconic in Filipino home décor, lampshades, and handicrafts.
Examples
" Maganda ang lamparang gawa sa kapis. "
Natural Translation
The Capiz shell lamp is beautiful.
Literal Translation
Beautiful the lamp-that made of Capiz-shell.
" Gawa ang mga bintana ng bahay na iyon sa kapis. "
Natural Translation
The windows of that house are made of Capiz shell.
Literal Translation
Made the windows of-the house that of kCapiz shell.
" Bago pa dumating ang salamin, kapis ang ginagamit ng mga ninuno natin sa kanilang mga bintana. "
Natural Translation
Even before glass arrived, our ancestors used Capiz shell for their windows.
Literal Translation
Before yet arrive the glass, Capiz-shell the used of-the ancestors ours in their windows.
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