kulam
kulám with stress marks
witchcraft (sorcery); curse, hex
Usage Note
Kulam refers to traditional Filipino sorcery or hexing, often believed to cause illness or misfortune through spells and rituals. It is typically associated with a 'mangkukulam' (witch or sorcerer) who uses objects like needles or dolls to harm their targets.
Examples
" Takot siya sa kulam. "
Natural Translation
He is afraid of witchcraft.
Literal Translation
Afraid he of witchcraft.
" Ang kulam ay masama. "
Natural Translation
The witchcraft is bad.
Literal Translation
The witchcraft is bad.
" Naniniwala pa rin ang ilang matatanda sa nayon na ang biglaang sakit ay maaaring dulot ng kulam. "
Natural Translation
Some elders in the village still believe that a sudden illness could be caused by witchcraft.
Literal Translation
Believe still also the some elders in village that the sudden illness is possibly caused by witchcraft.
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