Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| tsismis | /ˈt͡ʃismis/ (Standard Tagalog) /t͡ʃisˈmis/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| sitsit | |
| tsika | /ˈt͡ʃika/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈtsika/ |
The term refers to idle talk. You can use the related verb magtsismis specifically when describing the act of spreading rumors or talking about someone else's private business. For a more neutral or friendly sense of socializing and chatting, the verb magtsikahan is used. Additionally, usap-usapan can be used to indicate the act of discussing rumors or hearsay.
Which one should you use?
While tsismis is the noun for gossip, tsika is a more informal, colloquial way to refer to gossip or a casual chat. The verb magtsismis carries a more negative connotation of spreading rumors, whereas magtsikahan implies a more neutral or friendly act of chatting or socializing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tsismis is an informal term for gossip used in everyday conversations. Tsika specifically functions as an informal term equivalent to the English term chitchat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To call a person a 'gossip' (a person who loves to spread rumors), you use the word tsismosa for a female and tsismoso for a male.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃismis/
Did you know?
- The word sitsit refers to a specific whistling or hissing sound used to get someone's attention to share a secret.
- In Filipino culture, the tsismosa is often stereotyped as a neighborhood lookout who knows everything happening on the street.
- While tsika is used for casual chitchat, it actually originates from the Spanish word chica, meaning 'girl'.
Examples in context
- Nadungisan ng tsismis ang kanyang reputasyon.Her reputation was tarnished by gossip.This sentence shows how tsismis can affect a person's reputation.Tatoeba #13891903 by qwertzu, translation #8187192 by Hybrid
- Mahilig siyang gumawa ng tsismis, kaya marami siyang kalaban.He likes to gossip, therefore he has a lot of enemies.This sentence describes someone who frequently engages in tsismis and the social consequences.Tatoeba #2759140 by mervert1, translation #2896812 by migl
- Nakarating na ba sa iyo ang chismis tungkol sa kanila?Have you heard the gossip about them?
- Kailangan nating malaman ang totoo sa likod ng mga usap-usapan.We need to know the truth behind the rumors.
- Sinabi niya sa akin ang chika tungkol sa kanila.She told me the gossip about them.
- Puno ng tsismis ang opisina namin ngayon.Our office is full of gossip today.
- Huwag kang maniniwala sa mga tsismis na iyon.Don't believe those gossip stories.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are talking at a coffee shop.
- JuanMay narinig ka bang tsismis tungkol sa kanya?Did you hear any gossip about her?
- JasmineWala akong pakialam sa mga tsismis na iyon.I don't care about that gossip.
- JuanMabuti pa nga, dahil nakakaantala lang ito.That's good, because it's just a distraction.
- JasmineTama ka, Juan.You're right, Juan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gossip” translations and entries tsismis, tsika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tsika, tsismis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
