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siya nawa

siyá nawà with stress marks

amen; so be it

adverb si-YA NA-wa Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Siya nawa is a liturgical expression equivalent to 'amen' or 'so be it,' used at the end of prayers, blessings, and formal wishes in Catholic Filipino religious life. It is heard in church services, novenas, and family prayers, and using it outside a religious context sounds archaic or overly formal to modern ears.

Examples

Beginner

" Siya nawa, sabi ng lola. "

Natural Translation

Amen, said grandmother.

Literal Translation

Amen, said of grandmother.

Intermediate

" Siya nawa ang ating mga panalangin. "

Natural Translation

Amen to our prayers.

Literal Translation

Amen the our prayers.

Advanced

" Matapos ipanalangin ng pari ang kapayapaan ng bayan, sumagot ang buong simbahan ng taimtim na siya nawa. "

Natural Translation

After the priest prayed for the peace of the nation, the whole church answered with a heartfelt amen.

Literal Translation

After prayed by priest the peace of nation, answered the whole church of heartfelt amen.

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