tingin
The Tagalog word for look is tingin.
While tingin can refer to the physical act of looking, it is also frequently used figuratively to mean an opinion or perspective. For example, you might use it to say 'In my opinion…' (Sa tingin ko…).
Meaning: to try to see (verb)
Which one should you use?
The word tingin can function as a noun meaning 'look' or 'gaze'. For the specific action of looking at a particular object or person, use the transitive form tingnan. For the general act of looking, use the verb form tumingin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun tingin serves as the stem for various verb forms. To express the general action of looking, use tumingin. If you want to express the future tense, use titingin.
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, a prolonged tingin or gaze can be perceived as a challenge or an act of aggression rather than mere curiosity.
- The word tingin was inherited from the Proto-Philippine root *tiŋən, which originally meant 'sight' or 'to look'.
- The phrase Sa tingin ko is often used to soften a statement, functioning as a polite hedge to avoid sounding too assertive or confrontational.
Examples in context
- Diretso lang ang tingin.Look straight ahead.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of tingin to mean looking straight ahead.Tatoeba #4560112 by kanlaon, translation #32535 by CK
- Tingnan mo ito.Look at this.
- Tingnan natin ang magandang tanawin dito.Let's look at the beautiful scenery here.
- Titigan mo 'koLook at me.
- Check mo 'toLook at this / Check this out.
Example conversation
Mark and Jasmine are looking for a store in a mall.
- MarkTingin ka sa signage, Jasmine.Look at the signage, Jasmine.
- JasmineWala naman akong nakikita.I don't see anything.
- MarkNandoon sa taas, tingin ka.It is up there, look.
- JasmineAh, nakita ko na!Ah, I see it now!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tingin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
