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kundiman

kundimán with stress marks

sad love song

noun kun-di-MAN Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Kundiman is a traditional Filipino song genre characterized by slow, melancholic melodies and romantic or patriotic themes that flourished during the Spanish and American colonial periods. It is considered a cornerstone of Filipino musical heritage and is often performed at cultural events and invoked in discussions of national identity.

Examples

Beginner

" Gusto ko ng lumang kundiman. "

Natural Translation

I like old love songs.

Literal Translation

Like I of old love-song.

Intermediate

" Rinig ko ang isang malungkot na kundiman. "

Natural Translation

I hear a sad love song.

Literal Translation

Hear I the one sad that sad-love-song.

Advanced

" Tuwing naririnig ko ang isang malungkot na kundiman, naaalala ko ang aking lola na mahilig kumanta noong bata pa ako. "

Natural Translation

Whenever I hear a sad love song, I remember my grandmother who loved to sing when I was still a child.

Literal Translation

Whenever hearing I the one sad that love-song, remembering I the my grandmother that fond sing when child still I.

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