Usage Note
Tela, from Spanish, is the general word for fabric or cloth. It is used in everyday conversation when discussing clothing, sewing, or upholstery — for example, 'bumili ng tela' (to buy cloth) at a textile market. The word encompasses all types of fabric from cotton to silk.
Examples
" Bumili ako ng tela sa palengke. "
Natural Translation
I bought cloth at the market.
Literal Translation
Bought I of cloth at market.
" Malambot ang tela ng aking bagong damit. "
Natural Translation
The cloth of my new shirt is soft.
Literal Translation
Soft the cloth of my new shirt.
" Pinili ng mananahi ang telang hindi gaanong manipis upang matagal na maisuot ang damit. "
Natural Translation
The seamstress chose cloth that is not too thin so the dress can be worn for a long time.
Literal Translation
Chose the seamstress the cloth-that not so thin so long can-be-worn the dress.
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