المعنى
Being slow to act or physically clumsy.
خلفية ثقافية
In these regions, the phrase is a common household term used by parents to scold children who are 'mabagal' (slow) or 'lampá' (clumsy). It is deeply tied to the value of 'sipag' (industry). Historically, 'mabigat ang kamay' was a descriptive trait of a disciplinarian. While modern parenting is shifting away from corporal punishment, the phrase remains as a linguistic relic of that era. Folk beliefs suggest that someone with a 'heavy hand' should not plant crops like tomatoes or ginger, as the 'heaviness' will cause the plants to wither or produce poor fruit. Filipino gamers use this to describe 'input lag' or their own slow physical reaction time during competitive play (e.g., Mobile Legends or Valorant).
Context is King
Be careful using this with parents. It can sound like you are accusing them of child abuse if the context isn't clearly about clumsiness.
Self-Deprecation
Use this phrase about yourself to sound more humble and native when you make a mistake or move slowly.
المعنى
Being slow to act or physically clumsy.
Context is King
Be careful using this with parents. It can sound like you are accusing them of child abuse if the context isn't clearly about clumsiness.
Self-Deprecation
Use this phrase about yourself to sound more humble and native when you make a mistake or move slowly.
The 'Green Thumb' Link
If you are gardening with Filipinos, they might tell you to stop if you are 'mabigat ang kamay'—it's a real superstition!
Pair with 'Kaya'
This idiom is almost always followed by 'kaya' (that's why) to explain a negative result (e.g., '...kaya nabasag').
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct body part to form the idiom.
Ayaw niyang tumulong sa paglilinis dahil mabigat ang kanyang _______.
The idiom 'mabigat ang kamay' refers to being slow or lazy to help with tasks.
Which situation best describes someone who is 'mabigat ang kamay'?
Which of these people is 'mabigat ang kamay'?
Clumsiness is a primary meaning of 'mabigat ang kamay'.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Friend A: 'Bakit hindi pa tapos ang ginagawa ni Mark?' Friend B: '_________________.'
This explains why Mark is not yet finished (he is slow).
Match the meaning of 'mabigat ang kamay' to the context.
Context: 'Warning a friend about a person with a short temper.'
In the context of a short temper, the idiom refers to physical aggression.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Kamay vs. Loob
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينAyaw niyang tumulong sa paglilinis dahil mabigat ang kanyang _______.
The idiom 'mabigat ang kamay' refers to being slow or lazy to help with tasks.
Which of these people is 'mabigat ang kamay'?
Clumsiness is a primary meaning of 'mabigat ang kamay'.
Friend A: 'Bakit hindi pa tapos ang ginagawa ni Mark?' Friend B: '_________________.'
This explains why Mark is not yet finished (he is slow).
Context: 'Warning a friend about a person with a short temper.'
In the context of a short temper, the idiom refers to physical aggression.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt can be. It's a criticism of someone's speed or skill, but among friends, it's often just teasing.
No, use 'malakas' for strength. 'Mabigat' in this idiom always implies a negative 'weight' or burden.
'Mabagal' is literal (slow). 'Mabigat ang kamay' is more colorful and implies the slowness is part of their character or lack of skill.
Rarely. It's too informal for reports but common in office gossip.
Yes! It's very common to describe students who take a long time to take notes.
Yes, for players who are uncoordinated or have slow reaction times.
Instead of saying someone is 'mabigat ang kamay,' you could say 'hindi siya sanay' (he is not used to it).
No, for that use 'mabigat ang dugo' (sometimes) or more commonly 'mahimbing ang tulog'.
It is understood nationwide but most common in Tagalog-speaking provinces.
Rarely, unless you are personifying the animal's clumsiness.
عبارات ذات صلة
Mabigat ang katawan
similarFeeling heavy, lethargic, or sick.
Magaan ang kamay
contrastGentle, lucky, or skilled.
Mabigat ang loob
confusingResentful or heavy-hearted.
Mabagal kumilos
synonymSlow to move.
Kamay na bakal
specialized formIron fist / strict rule.
