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tapis

tapís with stress marks

piece of cloth tied around the waist

noun ta-PIS Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tapis is a traditional Philippine garment — a rectangular piece of woven cloth wrapped around the lower body over a skirt, forming part of traditional Visayan and Tagalog women's attire. It is now primarily seen during cultural performances, festivals, and heritage events rather than everyday wear.

Examples

Beginner

" Kulay pula ang tapis niya. "

Natural Translation

Her waist cloth is red.

Literal Translation

Color red the waist-cloth her.

Intermediate

" Maganda ang disenyo ng kanyang tapis. "

Natural Translation

The design of his/her piece of cloth tied around the waist is beautiful.

Literal Translation

Beautiful the design of his/her piece-of-cloth-tied-around-waist.

Advanced

" Sa panahon ng pista, isinusuot ng mga mananayaw ang makukulay na tapis na hinabi ng kanilang mga ninuno. "

Natural Translation

During the festival, the dancers wear the colorful waist cloths that were woven by their ancestors.

Literal Translation

In time of festival, worn by-the dancers the colorful waist-cloths that woven by their ancestors.

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