kapre
kapré with stress marks
mythical tree-dwelling creature, a folklore giant in tree
Usage Note
Kapre is a giant, dark-skinned supernatural being from Philippine folklore said to live in large trees — especially balete trees — and to smoke a huge cigar. The word likely derives from the Spanish/Arabic cafre (infidel), and parents sometimes invoke the kapre to discourage children from staying out late.
Examples
" Takot ang bata sa kapre. "
Natural Translation
The child is afraid of the kapre.
Literal Translation
Afraid the child of folklore-giant.
" Ang kapre ay nasa malaking puno. "
Natural Translation
The folklore-giant is in the big tree.
Literal Translation
The folklore-giant is at-the big tree.
" Ayon sa kuwento ng matatanda, may kapre raw na naninirahan sa malaking puno sa likod ng aming bahay. "
Natural Translation
According to the elders' stories, there's supposedly a kapre living in the big tree behind our house.
Literal Translation
According to story of elders, there folklore-giant reportedly living in big tree at-back of our house.
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