Bedeutung
To be visibly annoyed or frowning.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects the 'high-context' nature of Filipino communication, where facial expressions are often more important than words. The use of 'kurus' (cross) shows the deep influence of Catholicism on the Tagalog language, even in secular idioms. In modern BPO (call center) culture in the Philippines, 'kurus sa noo' is often used to describe the stress of dealing with difficult customers. In some provinces, 'kurus sa noo' is also a superstitious sign that someone is thinking about you in a negative way.
Use it for 'Resting Grump Face'
If someone naturally looks angry even when they aren't, you can jokingly say they have a permanent 'kurus sa noo'.
Don't use with 'ang'
While 'Kurus ang noo' is correct, 'Kurus sa noo' is more idiomatic when describing the *presence* of the frown.
Bedeutung
To be visibly annoyed or frowning.
Use it for 'Resting Grump Face'
If someone naturally looks angry even when they aren't, you can jokingly say they have a permanent 'kurus sa noo'.
Don't use with 'ang'
While 'Kurus ang noo' is correct, 'Kurus sa noo' is more idiomatic when describing the *presence* of the frown.
The 'Sungit' Factor
This phrase is the ultimate descriptor for someone who is 'sungit' (cranky/unapproachable).
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Bakit may ______ sa noo si Tatay?
The traditional idiom uses 'kurus' to describe the frown lines.
Which situation best describes someone with a 'kurus sa noo'?
Sino ang may kurus sa noo?
Anger and frustration cause the 'kurus sa noo' (frown).
Match the Filipino phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
All these phrases relate to frowning and annoyance.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: 'Huwag mo siyang biruin ngayon.' Friend B: 'Bakit?' Friend A: 'Kasi ______.'
You shouldn't joke with someone who is already visibly annoyed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBakit may ______ sa noo si Tatay?
The traditional idiom uses 'kurus' to describe the frown lines.
Sino ang may kurus sa noo?
Anger and frustration cause the 'kurus sa noo' (frown).
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
All these phrases relate to frowning and annoyance.
Friend A: 'Huwag mo siyang biruin ngayon.' Friend B: 'Bakit?' Friend A: 'Kasi ______.'
You shouldn't joke with someone who is already visibly annoyed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily, but it is informal. It's better to use it when talking *about* someone rather than *to* someone you don't know well.
Yes, but 'Kurus' sounds more natural for this specific idiom. 'Krus' sounds more like the literal object.
No, it can also mean deep concentration or worry. Context tells you which one it is.
Yes, it is widely understood across the Philippines, though some regions might prefer 'salubong ang kilay'.
You can say 'Alisin mo 'yang kurus sa noo mo' (Remove that cross from your forehead).
It has a classic feel, but it is still very much in use by all age groups.
No, that would be 'bakas' or 'sugat'. This is specifically for wrinkles caused by emotion.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'nakangiti' (smiling) or 'maaliwalas ang mukha' are good contrasts.
Only if you are writing a story or describing a person's character. Avoid it in academic or technical writing.
Because the vertical and horizontal lines of a deep frown often intersect like a cross.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Nagsasalubong ang kilay
synonymEyebrows are meeting.
Nakakunot ang noo
similarWrinkled forehead.
Mainit ang ulo
builds onHot-headed.
Maaliwalas ang mukha
contrastBright/clear face.
