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sotana

sotána with stress marks

clerical frock or habit

noun so-TA-na Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Sotana is the long garment worn by Catholic priests and clergy, borrowed from Spanish sotana. Given the Philippines' deep Catholic heritage spanning over 400 years, the sotana is a recognizable symbol of religious life and appears frequently in literature and discussions of the Church.

Examples

Beginner

" Itim ang sotana ng pari. "

Natural Translation

The priest's frock is black.

Literal Translation

Black the frock of priest.

Intermediate

" Puti ang sotana ng pari. "

Natural Translation

The clerical frock of the priest is white.

Literal Translation

White the clerical frock of priest.

Advanced

" Habang naglalakad sa pasilyo, kumakaway ang mahabang sotana ng pari na parang dala-dala ng hangin. "

Natural Translation

As he walked down the hallway, the priest's long frock swayed as if carried by the wind.

Literal Translation

While walking in hallway, waving the long frock of priest like carried by wind.

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