Signification
Clinging tightly to someone or something.
Contexte culturel
The Tokay Gecko is a common household resident in rural areas. Its grip is so strong that children are often warned not to touch them, or they'll never let go. The term is frequently used in political cartoons to depict leaders who refuse to step down, often showing them as geckos stuck to a throne or a government building. Filipino parents often use this term endearingly for toddlers who are in a 'clingy phase,' reflecting the high value placed on physical affection in the family. In the context of Manila's crowded public transport, 'kapit-tuko' is a survival skill. You must hold onto the jeepney rails tightly to avoid falling.
Use for Teasing
It's a great way to playfully tease a friend who won't leave their partner's side at a party.
Watch the Tone
Calling a stranger 'kapit-tuko' can be seen as rude or intrusive.
Signification
Clinging tightly to someone or something.
Use for Teasing
It's a great way to playfully tease a friend who won't leave their partner's side at a party.
Watch the Tone
Calling a stranger 'kapit-tuko' can be seen as rude or intrusive.
Political Context
If you want to sound like a local news expert, use 'kapit-tuko sa pwesto' when discussing elections.
The Tuko Sound
If you hear a gecko in the Philippines, try saying 'Kapit-tuko!' to your Filipino friends—it's a great conversation starter.
Teste-toi
Which animal is used in the idiom for 'clinging tightly'?
Kapit-____
The Tokay gecko (tuko) is the animal used because of its famous grip.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence about a clingy person.
Masyado siyang ______ sa kanyang kasintahan.
In this context, it means the person is being overly clingy to their partner.
Match the situation to the use of 'kapit-tuko'.
A politician refusing to resign after losing an election.
In the Philippines, 'kapit-tuko' is a standard term for politicians who won't leave office.
Complete the dialogue.
Anak: (Holding mom's leg) Ayaw ko pong pumasok! Nanay: Naku, ______ na naman ang anak ko.
The child is physically clinging to the mother's leg.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kapit-tuko vs. Kapit sa Patalim
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKapit-____
The Tokay gecko (tuko) is the animal used because of its famous grip.
Masyado siyang ______ sa kanyang kasintahan.
In this context, it means the person is being overly clingy to their partner.
A politician refusing to resign after losing an election.
In the Philippines, 'kapit-tuko' is a standard term for politicians who won't leave office.
Anak: (Holding mom's leg) Ayaw ko pong pumasok! Nanay: Naku, ______ na naman ang anak ko.
The child is physically clinging to the mother's leg.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always! It can be cute when describing a child, but it's usually negative when describing adults in a relationship.
Yes, you can say you are 'kapit-tuko' to your phone if you use it too much.
Add 'mag-' or 'nag-'. For example: 'Huwag kang magkapit-tuko sa akin.'
No, it's mostly informal and idiomatic.
It's a Tokay Gecko, a large lizard found in Southeast Asia known for its loud call and sticky feet.
You can use 'clingy' (English loanword) or 'madikit' (sticky).
Only if you are describing your 'tenacity' for a goal, but be careful as it might sound too casual.
In Filipino, we hyphenate compound words where the meaning is figurative.
No, a leech (linta) implies you are taking something from the person. A gecko (tuko) just implies you are stuck to them.
Yes, similar concepts exist in Cebuano and Ilocano, but 'kapit-tuko' is the Tagalog/Filipino standard.
Expressions liées
Kapit-bisig
similarLinking arms/Unity
Kapit sa patalim
contrastClutching a blade
Mahigpit na yakap
similarTight hug
Linta
specialized formLeech
