Idioms In Tagalog

 One of my friends asked:  "Are there idiom equivalents also  in the Tagalog language?" Of course, there are.  Katulad ng idioms sa English, ginagamit ito para tumingkad ang paglalarawan ng mga bagaybagay at para mapaigting  at matalinhaga ang takbo ng usapin o pagsusulat.

And just like in English ... ang kahulugan ng mga "sawikain or idioms" ay magkaiba sa literal meaning ng mga salita. Sa madaling salita ang mga sawikain don't mean exactly what the individual words in it say. Tandaan natin ... ang figurative meaning ng mga sawikain ... is different from its literal meaning.

If somebody tells you makati ang paa mo ... huwag maging pikon 'tol.  It doesn't mean na may alipunga ka or may kulugo sa paa. Di ba obvious namang wala kang skin disease di ba? Sensitive ka lang ... at pinalalaki mo ang maliliit na bagay. At obvious namang wala kang kamuwang-muwang sa mga idioms in Tagalog.

The fact of the matter is baka ikakatuwa mo pa ang kanyang sinabi: na habang ang lahat nga tao sa Pilipinas ay kayod marino - isa ka sa mga ubod at bukod na pinagpala at may panahon ka pang gumala at mamasyal kung saan saan. 

Makati ang paa literally means "itchy foot." Ibig sabihin isa kang pusang gala. Mahilig kang magpatrol sa kung saan-saan ... dapat sa yo magapply sa TV Patrol - yon bang kahit nagngingitngit na ang panahon - nandoon ka sa sentro ng bagyo bitbit ang iyong payong at buong tiyaga na nagrereport kung gaano talaga kabagsik si Undoy.

Seriously, makati ang paa has figurative meaning na ang isang tao is wanderlust - he lust to wander and roam around ... or someone itches she/he has to go somewhere or else hindi komplete ang araw niya. Maliwanag?

Idiom Of The Day

 

Let's start using idioms or idiomatic expressions when we write. When idioms are used, it add color and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up. An idiom can be very colorful and make a 'picture' in our minds. It also shows the writer's familiarity with English. When you want to make your writing sound more conversational, including idioms can give your writing a more relaxed tone.

Idioms allow us to say a lot with few words. Idioms amplify your messages in a way that draws your readers in and helps awaken their senses. It adds dynamism and character to otherwise stale writing. They make your writing less monotonous and your readers will think that you are smart and knowledgeable. All the while ... you only clothe your writing with elaborate idioms to create an impact... saying too much with less. 

To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone's leg. So the idiom of the day is:

IDIOM: Under the weather.

MEANING: If you say that you are under the weather you feel slightly sick or ill.

ORIGIN: Under the weather has its origin when sailors become seasick because the boat has been rocked violently by hot-tempered weather conditions, the captain usually order this seamen to transfer to the bottom of the ship where it is stable and calm. Which means under "the weather rail". 

The phrase under the weather rail was later shortened to the idiom being used now "under the weather".

USING IT IN A SENTENCE: I don;t feel like going to the mall today ... I am feeling a bit under the weather.