Signification
Having no sense of shame or embarrassment.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Hiya' is the root of this idiom. To be called 'makapal ang mukha' is to be told you are failing as a member of the community. Hierarchy is important. A subordinate calling a boss 'makapal ang mukha' is grounds for immediate termination or severe social ostracization. Relatives who constantly ask for money (especially from 'OFWs' or relatives working abroad) are often privately described this way. The term is used heavily in 'cancel culture' to describe influencers or public figures who don't apologize for their mistakes.
High Insult Potential
Only use this with people you are very close to or when you are genuinely angry. It can end friendships.
The 'Kapal' Shortcut
In many cases, just saying 'Kapal!' with a specific facial expression is enough to convey the whole idiom.
Signification
Having no sense of shame or embarrassment.
High Insult Potential
Only use this with people you are very close to or when you are genuinely angry. It can end friendships.
The 'Kapal' Shortcut
In many cases, just saying 'Kapal!' with a specific facial expression is enough to convey the whole idiom.
Observe the 'Hiya'
To understand this phrase, watch how Filipinos react to public embarrassment. The lack of that reaction is 'kapal ng mukha'.
Teste-toi
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Makapal ang mukha'?
A person...
Taking more than allowed without shame is the definition of being 'makapal ang mukha'.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
Ang ______ ng mukha mo! Bakit mo kinain ang lunch ko?
The context of someone eating your lunch without permission requires the word for 'shameless'.
What would Person B most likely say?
Person A: 'Humingi na naman ng pera si Ben kahit hindi pa siya nagbabayad ng luma niyang utang.' Person B: '_________________'
Person B is reacting to Ben's shameless behavior.
Match the idiom to the character trait.
Match 'Makapal ang mukha' with its meaning:
The idiom specifically refers to a lack of shame.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA person...
Taking more than allowed without shame is the definition of being 'makapal ang mukha'.
Ang ______ ng mukha mo! Bakit mo kinain ang lunch ko?
The context of someone eating your lunch without permission requires the word for 'shameless'.
Person A: 'Humingi na naman ng pera si Ben kahit hindi pa siya nagbabayad ng luma niyang utang.' Person B: '_________________'
Person B is reacting to Ben's shameless behavior.
Match 'Makapal ang mukha' with its meaning:
The idiom specifically refers to a lack of shame.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questions95% of the time, yes. Occasionally, it's used jokingly among best friends to describe someone being 'extra' or very bold, but it's risky.
Yes, in a self-deprecating way. e.g., 'Nagmakapal na ako ng mukha at humingi ng tulong.' (I just swallowed my pride/acted shameless and asked for help.)
'Walang hiya' is much more severe. It implies a lack of morals. 'Makapal ang mukha' is more about social brazenness.
Use 'matatag' (stable/strong) or 'hindi basta-basta sumusuko' (doesn't just give up).
Expressions liées
Walang hiya
synonymNo shame
Lakas ng loob
contrastStrength of will / Courage
Manipis ang mukha
contrastThin-faced / Easily embarrassed
Kapal-muks
specialized formShameless (slang)
