Bedeutung
Someone who tends to steal things.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tagalog culture, 'malikot ang kamay' is a way to maintain 'smooth interpersonal relations' (SIR). By using an idiom, the speaker avoids a direct, face-to-face confrontation which is highly discouraged. While 'malikot ang kamay' is Tagalog, Visayan speakers have similar concepts like 'kawatan' (thief), but often adopt the Tagalog idiom in urban settings like Manila to sound more 'polite' or less aggressive. In big cities like Metro Manila, this phrase is a survival tool. It's used in 'commuter lingo' to warn others about pickpockets on public transport without alerting the criminal. The idiom likely evolved from the Spanish 'manos largas,' adapted to the local word 'malikot' which carries a more 'child-like' or 'mischievous' connotation in Filipino, reflecting the culture's tendency to view petty crimes as character flaws rather than just legal breaks.
Use it as a warning
If you want to warn a friend without being too loud, just whisper 'Ingat, malikot ang kamay niyan.'
Don't use it for serious crimes
Calling a bank robber 'malikot ang kamay' sounds like you are making a joke. Use 'krimen' or 'pagnanakaw' instead.
Bedeutung
Someone who tends to steal things.
Use it as a warning
If you want to warn a friend without being too loud, just whisper 'Ingat, malikot ang kamay niyan.'
Don't use it for serious crimes
Calling a bank robber 'malikot ang kamay' sounds like you are making a joke. Use 'krimen' or 'pagnanakaw' instead.
The 'Ang' vs 'Yung'
In very casual speech, you might hear 'Malikot yung kamay.' This is even more informal and common in Manila.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in the following sentence: 'Bantayan mo ang gamit mo, malikot ang kamay ng katabi mo.'
What does 'malikot ang kamay' mean here?
In this context, it is a warning to watch your belongings because the person next to you might steal them.
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective to complete the idiom.
Huwag kang mag-iwan ng pera sa mesa dahil ______ ang kamay ng bata.
'Malikot ang kamay' is the standard idiom for someone who steals.
Match the idiom to the most appropriate situation.
Which situation best fits the use of 'malikot ang kamay'?
Taking something without permission, even something small like a pen, is the core meaning of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: 'Bakit nawawala ang cellphone ko?' Friend B: 'Naku, baka may ______ dito sa party.'
Friend B is suggesting that there might be a thief at the party.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWhat does 'malikot ang kamay' mean here?
In this context, it is a warning to watch your belongings because the person next to you might steal them.
Huwag kang mag-iwan ng pera sa mesa dahil ______ ang kamay ng bata.
'Malikot ang kamay' is the standard idiom for someone who steals.
Which situation best fits the use of 'malikot ang kamay'?
Taking something without permission, even something small like a pen, is the core meaning of this idiom.
Friend A: 'Bakit nawawala ang cellphone ko?' Friend B: 'Naku, baka may ______ dito sa party.'
Friend B is suggesting that there might be a thief at the party.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, it is a negative description of someone's character, though it is less harsh than calling them a 'magnanakaw' (thief).
Yes, but be careful. If the child is just curious, just say 'malikot' (fidgety). If you add 'ang kamay,' it implies they are taking things.
'Malikot' implies a habit or tendency. 'Mabilis' implies the skill or speed of a pickpocket.
No, it is considered an informal idiom. In formal writing, use 'may hilig sa pagnanakaw' or 'magnanakaw.'
No. For that, we use 'magaling mag-drawing' or 'malikhain' (creative). 'Malikot ang kamay' is almost always negative.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mabilis ang kamay
similarFast-handed; often used for pickpockets.
Magaan ang kamay
contrastTo be prone to hitting or physical abuse.
Nangungupit
specialized formStealing small amounts of money.
Matalas ang mata
similarSharp-eyed.
