The word "asawa" has a simple and phonetic spelling. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is spelled as /a.sawa/. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh" while the second syllable is pronounced as "sah-wah." One could also spell "asawa" as "a-sa-wa," but using IPA phonetic transcription clarifies the pronunciation more explicitly. "Asawa" is a Tagalog word that translates to "spouse" in English. It is commonly used in conversations and literature, making it an important term to know when learning the Tagalog language.
Asawa is a Filipino term that is most commonly translated into English as "spouse" or "husband/wife." It specifically refers to the person one is legally married to or recognized as the partner in a marriage.
The term "asawa" carries a significant emotional and legal connotation, as it refers to the individual with whom a person shares a committed relationship, typically involving mutual love, support, and shared responsibilities. Asawa is a gender-neutral term, meaning it can be applied to both husbands and wives, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
In the Filipino culture, the concept of asawa goes beyond mere legal or social recognition. It encompasses a deep commitment and bond between two individuals, representing a lifelong partnership. It is an essential aspect of Filipino society, as marriage and family are highly valued, and asawa plays a vital role in the formation and stability of families.
Furthermore, the term asawa is not limited to the legal or civil concept of marriage. It can also be used to refer to a long-term partner with whom a person is cohabitating or in a committed relationship, regardless of whether they have undergone a formal marriage ceremony or have legal recognition. This broadens the scope of asawa to encompass various types of committed partnerships in the Filipino cultural context.
The word "asawa" is a term used in Filipino language, specifically in Tagalog, which refers to a spouse or partner. It primarily relates to the concept of marriage or a committed relationship.
The etymology of "asawa" can be traced back to the Proto-Austronesian language, from which Tagalog descended. In the Proto-Austronesian language, the word for "husband" was *asawaŋ and for "wife" it was *istri. Over time, these terms evolved in Tagalog and *asawaŋ transformed into "asawa". The gender-neutral term "asawa" is now commonly used to refer to a spouse or partner, regardless of gender.