ngisi
The Tagalog word for "grin" is ngisi.
The word ngisi refers to a smile that reveals the teeth.
Meaning: A smile revealing the teeth (noun)
Did you know?
- The difference between a standard smile ngiti and a grin ngisi is a single vowel change, which completely alters the social tone from polite to potentially mocking.
- In traditional Filipino social interactions, a ngisi is sometimes used as a social mask to conceal embarrassment or nervousness.
- The word ngisi is inherited from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root *ŋisi, meaning it is shared by various Austronesian languages across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Examples in context
- May malapad siyang ngisi.He has a wide grin.
- Nakita ko ang kanyang ngisi.I saw her grin.
- Ang kanyang ngisi ay nakakatuwa.Her grin is funny.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Maria are talking about a mischievous friend.
- RicardoNakita mo ba ang ngisi niya?Did you see his grin?
- MariaOo, parang may plano siya.Yes, it looks like he has a plan.
- RicardoKaya nga, nakakatawa ang ngisi niya.Right, his grin is funny.
- MariaSiguradong may kalokohan iyan.I'm sure there's some mischief there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ngisi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
