gwapa
The Bisaya word gwapa means beautiful.
gwapa is an adjective used to describe a woman or girl as beautiful or pretty.
Which one should you use?
While gwapa is used for women, the masculine form gwapo is used to describe a man as handsome. You may also see the spelling guapa, which is a common alternative spelling reflecting its Spanish-derived origin.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express intensity, you can add the intensifier kaayo after the adjective. For example, gwapa kaayo means "very beautiful". If you want to say "you are beautiful" directly to someone, add the pronoun ka after the adjective, resulting in gwapa kaayo ka for "you are very beautiful".
Did you know?
- In some Bisaya communities, gwapa can be used ironically or sarcastically to describe someone who is acting arrogant or 'feeling' too beautiful, often accompanied by a specific rolling of the eyes.
- Street vendors and drivers in the Philippines often call female customers gwapa as a social lubricant to build rapport and encourage tips or sales.
- While gwapa describes physical beauty, Bisaya speakers use the indigenous word maanyag to evoke a more classical or poetic sense of beauty in songs and literature.
Examples in context
- Gwapa kaayo ang bata.The girl is very beautiful.
- Gwapa kaayo imong igsoon.Your sister is very beautiful.
- Gwapa kaayo ka karon.You are very beautiful today.
Example conversation
Jun is complimenting Elena on her dress.
- JunGwapa kaayo ka sa imong sanina, Elena.You look very beautiful in your dress, Elena.
- ElenaSalamat kaayo, Jun!Thank you very much, Jun!
- JunBag-o ba na imong outfit?Is that a new outfit?
- ElenaOo, gipalit nako kini gahapon.Yes, I bought this yesterday.
