konserbatibo
The English phrase prude translates to Tagalog as konserbatibo.
The term is used to describe a person who is or tries to be excessively proper.
Meaning: A person who is or tries to be excessively proper (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word mahinhin is a more positive way to describe a woman who is modest and refined in her behavior, whereas konserbatibo can be used pejoratively to mean 'prude'.
Did you know?
- In modern Filipino slang, someone who is konserbatibo might be teased as being 'torpe', a term for someone too shy or inhibited to express romantic interest.
- In Tagalog, the concept of being 'proper' is often tied to the cultural ideal of 'delicadeza', which refers to a sense of propriety and avoiding impropriety.
- The word konserbatibo is a direct phonetic descendant of the Spanish 'conservativo', showing how Spanish colonial history deeply shaped modern Tagalog vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Siya ay napakamahiyain. Hindi siya marunong magpakawala ng kaniyang emosyon at hindi komportable kapag ang usapan ay ukol sa sekswalidad.She is very prudish. She doesn't know how to express her emotions and feels uncomfortable when conversations are about sexuality.
- Ang aking propesor sa unibersidad ay puritano pagdating sa pananamit. Ayaw niya sa mga nakababawalang disenyo ng mga damit.My professor at the university is very prudish when it comes to clothing. He dislikes provocative clothing designs.
- Masyado siyang konserbatibo sa pananamit.She is too conservative in her choice of clothing.
- Hindi siya konserbatibo pagdating sa mga usapin.She is not conservative when it comes to certain topics.
- Kilala siyang konserbatibo sa lahat ng bagay.She is known to be conservative in everything.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new colleague at work.
- JoseBakit hindi siya sumasali sa mga party natin?Why doesn't she join our parties?
- AngelaSiguro dahil masyado siyang konserbatibo.Maybe because she is too conservative.
- JoseTotoo ba? Napaka-pormal ba talaga niya?Is that true? Is she really that formal?
- AngelaOo, Jose, napaka-pormal niya sa lahat ng bagay.Yes, Jose, she is very formal in everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries konserbatibo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
