Kapwa

GLOSSARY

Pronounced ‘kap-wa’ in Tagalog, unique to Philippine culture and a syncretism of Southeast Asian tribal and animist culture with Spanish Catholicism. Literally translated as ‘other’ or ‘other person’ in English. The meaning, however, is translated as ‘shared self,’ ‘shared identity,’ or ‘self-in-the-other.’ Expressed as, “together with the person.” See also mattering and harmony.

A colorful team icon showing a group of people with raised arms, representing community unity and partnership.
A colorful team icon showing a group of people with raised arms, representing community unity and partnership.

Reference:

Reyes, J. (2015). Loób and kapwa: An introduction to a Filipino virtue ethics. Asian Philosophy, 25(2), 148-171. https://doi.org/10.1080/09552367.2015.1043173