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katha

kathâ with stress marks

fiction

noun kat-HA Native origin Rare

Also means

Katha can also mean an invention, fabrication, or made-up story in a negative sense — implying that something claimed is untrue.

Usage Note

Katha is the elevated Tagalog term for creative fiction or literary imagination. It is used in the titles of short stories, novels, and poetry collections. 'Kathang-isip' (product of imagination) is a common phrase meaning imaginary or fictional. In formal literary circles, 'katha' has more prestige than the English loanword 'fiction.'

Examples

Beginner

" Mahilig akong magbasa ng katha. "

Natural Translation

I love reading fiction.

Literal Translation

Fond I to-read of fiction.

Intermediate

" Ang kanyang katha ay nanalo ng pinakamataas na parangal. "

Natural Translation

His/Her work of fiction won the highest award.

Literal Translation

The his/her fiction won the highest award.

Advanced

" Mahusay ang katha ng manunulat dahil pinagtagni niya ang katotohanan at guni-guni nang walang makitang sutura. "

Natural Translation

The writer's fiction is masterful because she wove together truth and imagination with no visible seam.

Literal Translation

Excellent the fiction of-the writer because joined she the truth and imagination with no visible seam.

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