Here are some of the examples of Filipino idiomatic expressions and the meanings
These are examples of Filipino idiomatic expressions and the meaning of each idiom that can be used to construct more artistic sentences in the Filipino language.
If translated directly into the English language, the phrases or idioms can make no sense. However, each has a corresponding meaning to describe or explain a certain trait of a person.
Bungang-araw
Literal meaning: “fruit of the sun”
As an idiom: “prickly heat”
Bungang-tulog
Literal meaning: “fruit of sleep.”
As an idiom: dreams.
Buto’t balat
Literal meaning: “bones and skin”
As an idiom: malnourished or too skinny
Makapal ang bulsa
Literal meaning: “thick pocket”
As an idiom: someone who has a lot of money or rich
Butas ang bulsa
Literal meaning: “hole in the pocket”
As an idiom: someone who has no money or poor
Mabigat ang kamay
Literal meaning: “heavy-handed”
As an idiom: lazy
Magaan ang kamay
Literal meaning: “light-handed”
As an idiom: someone who easily uses his or her hand to express anger
Kabiyak ng dibdib
Literal meaning: “the other half of the heart”
As an idiom: spouse
Daga sa dibdib
Literal meaning: “mouse in the chest”
As an idiom: fear, worry or nervousness
Bulaklak ng dila
Literal meaning: “flower of the tongue”
As an idiom: a trait of someone who speaks with exaggeration
Makati ang dila
Literal meaning: “itchy tongue”
As an idiom: chatterbox or talkative person
Maitim ang dugo
Literal meaning: “dark-blooded”
As an idiom: evil or bad person
Haligi ng tahanan
Literal meaning: “pillar of the household”
As an idiom: refers to the father
Ilaw ng tahanan
Literal meaning: “light of the household”
As an idiom: refers to the mother
Itaga sa bato
Literal meaning: “cast in stone”
As an idiom: don’t forget or always remember
Matigas ang katawan
Literal meaning: “stiff-body”
As an idiom: lazy
Makati ang paa
Literal meaning: “itchy feet”
As an idiom: someone that enjoys going places.
Enjoy using these Filipino idiomatic expressions in your sentences.
READ ALSO: English Idiomatic Expressions: Examples & Meanings