Signification
Describing a low-volume noise.
Contexte culturel
Speaking in a 'mahinang boses' (soft voice) is a sign of 'paggalang' (respect) when addressing elders. Being too loud can be seen as 'walang modo' (rude). Despite the cultural value of softness, Philippine cities are loud. 'Mahinang tunog' is often a luxury sought in 'exclusive' cafes or spas. In the traditional courtship ritual of Harana, the music often starts with a 'mahinang tunog' of a guitar outside the window to avoid waking the whole neighborhood immediately. Filipinos often pay attention to 'mahinang tunog' at night. A faint sound of a bird (tiktik) is believed to be a sign of a nearby monster.
The 'Weak' Rule
Always remember that in Filipino, volume is about strength. If it's quiet, it's 'weak' (mahina).
Avoid 'Maliit'
Never say 'maliit na tunog'. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Signification
Describing a low-volume noise.
The 'Weak' Rule
Always remember that in Filipino, volume is about strength. If it's quiet, it's 'weak' (mahina).
Avoid 'Maliit'
Never say 'maliit na tunog'. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Verb it!
If you want someone to lower the volume, just say 'Pa-hina' (Please lower it) for a quick, natural shortcut.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'mahina' and the linker.
Pakisuyo, ________ tunog lang ang gamitin mo sa radyo.
Since 'mahina' ends in a vowel and is followed by the noun 'tunog', we use the '-ng' linker.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask someone to lower the volume?
How do you say 'The sound is too low'?
'Mahina' is the standard adjective for volume in Filipino.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bakit hindi mo naririnig ang balita? B: Kasi ________ ang tunog ng TV.
If you can't hear the news, the sound must be 'mahina' (weak/low).
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you use 'Mahinang tunog'?
Libraries require low volume or 'mahinang tunog'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Volume vs. Pitch in Filipino
Common 'Mahinang Tunog'
Nature
- • Ulan (Rain)
- • Hangin (Wind)
- • Batis (Brook)
Home
- • Relo (Clock)
- • Aircon
- • Yapak (Footsteps)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPakisuyo, ________ tunog lang ang gamitin mo sa radyo.
Since 'mahina' ends in a vowel and is followed by the noun 'tunog', we use the '-ng' linker.
How do you say 'The sound is too low'?
'Mahina' is the standard adjective for volume in Filipino.
A: Bakit hindi mo naririnig ang balita? B: Kasi ________ ang tunog ng TV.
If you can't hear the news, the sound must be 'mahina' (weak/low).
When would you use 'Mahinang tunog'?
Libraries require low volume or 'mahinang tunog'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you would just say 'mahina siya' (he/she is weak). Adding 'tunog' makes it strictly about sound.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both a business meeting and a chat with friends.
The opposite is 'malakas na tunog' (loud sound).
Yes, 'volume' is a very common loanword in Filipino.
It's a linker that connects the adjective to the noun. It's required because 'mahina' ends in a vowel.
No, for low pitch (bass), use 'mababang tunog'.
Yes! Filipino ASMR creators often use 'mahinang tunog' or 'pabulong' in their titles.
Yes, 'mahinang tunog ng hangin' is very common in literature.
You can say 'walang tunog' or 'naka-mute'.
In some dialects yes, but in standard Tagalog, 'slow' is 'mabagal'.
Expressions liées
malakas na tunog
contrastloud sound
mahina ang boses
similarsoft-spoken / weak voice
hinaan ang volume
builds onlower the volume
walang tunog
specialized formno sound / mute
pabulong
specialized formwhispering
