nuno
nunò with stress marks
ancestor; nature spirit; mythical man in anthill
Usage Note
Nuno means ancestor or grandparent, but it is best known in the compound nuno sa punso — the nature spirit believed to live in termite mounds. When passing these mounds, Filipinos traditionally say tabi-tabi po to show respect and avoid offending the spirit.
Examples
" May nuno sa punso raw. "
Natural Translation
They say there is a spirit in the mound.
Literal Translation
Have spirit in mound reportedly.
" Huwag kang maglaro malapit sa puntod ng nuno. "
Natural Translation
Don't play near the nature spirit's mound.
Literal Translation
Do not you play near at mound of nuno.
" Bago dumaan sa punso, sinabi ng lola na dapat magpaalam tayo sa nuno upang hindi tayo magkasakit. "
Natural Translation
Before passing the mound, grandmother said we should ask the spirit's permission so we won't fall ill.
Literal Translation
Before pass at-the mound, said of-the grandmother that should excuse-ourselves we to the spirit so-that not we get-sick.
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