kapwa
kapwâ with stress marks
kindred, fellow being
Usage Note
Kapwa is one of the most culturally significant words in Filipino psychology, expressing the shared identity between self and other — the recognition that others are part of oneself. Filipino scholars describe it as the core of Filipino personhood, underpinning values of community, mutual care, and social harmony.
Examples
" Mahalin mo ang iyong kapwa. "
Natural Translation
Love your fellow being.
Literal Translation
Love you the your fellow-being.
" Tulungan mo ang iyong kapwa. "
Natural Translation
Help your fellow being.
Literal Translation
Help you the your fellow-being.
" Ang tunay na bayani ay handang magsakripisyo para sa kaniyang kapwa nang walang hinihinging kapalit. "
Natural Translation
A true hero is willing to sacrifice for his fellow man without asking for anything in return.
Literal Translation
The true hero is willing to-sacrifice for his fellow-being without asking exchange.
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