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pabasa

pabása with stress marks

tradition of chanting the passion of Christ

noun pa-BA-sa Derived origin Less Common

Usage Note

Pabasa is derived from basa with the prefix pa- and refers to the Philippine Catholic tradition of chanting the Pasyon, a narrative poem recounting the life and passion of Jesus Christ, typically held during Holy Week. Pabasa gatherings can last continuously for days and are a deeply communal religious event.

Examples

Beginner

" May pabasa sa simbahan ngayon. "

Natural Translation

There is a chanting of the passion at the church today.

Literal Translation

Has chanting-of-the-passion at church today.

Intermediate

" Dumalo sila sa pabasa kahapon. "

Natural Translation

They attended the chanting of the passion yesterday.

Literal Translation

Attended they in chanting-of-the-passion yesterday.

Advanced

" Tuwing Mahal na Araw, nagtitipon ang buong barangay para sa pabasa na tumatagal nang maghapon at magdamag. "

Natural Translation

Every Holy Week, the whole barangay gathers for the chanting of the passion that lasts all day and all night.

Literal Translation

Every Holy linker Day, gathers the whole barangay for the chanting-of-the-passion that lasts for all-day and all-night.

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