sapa
sapâ with stress marks
stream; brook; creek
Usage Note
Sapa is a common Tagalog word for a small natural waterway, smaller than a river (ilog). In rural areas, sapas are gathering spots for washing clothes, catching fish, and children's play. The word appears frequently in place names and evokes a pastoral, provincial setting.
Examples
" Naglaro ang mga bata sa sapa. "
Natural Translation
The children played in the stream.
Literal Translation
Played the children in stream.
" Malinaw ang tubig sa sapa. "
Natural Translation
The water in the stream is clear.
Literal Translation
Clear the water in stream.
" Maaga pang naglalaba ang mga babae sa tabi ng sapa kung saan napakalinaw ng tubig. "
Natural Translation
The women do their laundry early by the side of the stream where the water is very clear.
Literal Translation
Early still doing-laundry the women at side of stream where very-clear the water.
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