paulit-ulit
The English word monotonous can be translated into Tagalog as paulit-ulit.
The primary term for describing something as tedious, repetitious or lacking in variety is paulit-ulit. While it captures the sense of being monotonous, it is most commonly used to describe the literal action of something happening over and over again.
Meaning: tedious, repetitious or lacking in variety (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word paulit-ulit is a reduplicated form of the root word ulit, which means to repeat.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the nuance you wish to convey, you might choose a different form. For example, Nakakainip is used for things that are monotonous in an informal context and Nakabuburyong describes a monotonous or boring situation more formally. Additionally, Nakakaantok can be used to suggest something is monotonous by stating that it makes you sleepy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using paulit-ulit as an adjective to modify a noun, such as in the phrase paulit-ulit na gawain (monotonous task), you must add the linker na between the adjective and the noun.
Did you know?
- The word nakabuburyong describes a type of monotony that feels suffocating or oppressive, moving beyond simple boredom to a sense of being trapped.
- While English uses the Greek prefix 'mono-' for 'one' to create 'monotonous', Tagalog expresses the same concept by doubling the root word ulit.
- In Tagalog, a repetitive task is often described as nakakaantok, which literally translates to 'it makes one sleepy'.
Examples in context
- Ang presentasyon niya ay nakabuburyong, walang kahit anong kakaibang elementong nagpukaw sa interes ng mga manonood.His presentation was monotonous, lacking any unique elements to catch the audience's interest.
- Ang araw-araw na trabaho sa opisina ay nakakasawa.The everyday office work is monotonous.
- Ang palabas na ito ay nakakainip na. Paulit-ulit lang ang eksena, wala kaming bago na mapapanood!This show is monotonous. The scenes are just repeated over and over, there's nothing new to watch!
- Paulit-ulit na lang ang mga gawain ko sa opisina.My office tasks are just repetitive.
- Ayaw ko ng paulit-ulit na kanta.I don't want monotonous songs.
- Masyadong paulit-ulit ang kuwento ng pelikula.The movie's story is too repetitive.
Example conversation
Juan and Jasmine are talking about their daily routines.
- JuanNakakasawa na ang paulit-ulit na routine ko.My repetitive routine is getting boring.
- JasmineGanyan din ang nararamdaman ko sa trabaho.I feel the same way about work.
- JuanKailangan nating maghanap ng bagong hobby.We need to find a new hobby.
- JasmineTama ka, Juan.You are right, Juan.
