Signification
Someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted.
Contexte culturel
The term 'Diskarte' is often paired with 'Matalas ang isip.' While 'isip' is the raw intelligence, 'diskarte' is how you use that intelligence to survive in the chaotic streets of Manila. In traditional Tagalog poetry, 'katalasan' (sharpness) was a requirement for a 'makata' (poet) to win a debate. There is a high cultural value on being 'matalas ang isip' in business (negosyo), often associated with being 'wais' (wise/street-smart). On Filipino social media, 'matalas ang isip' is often used to describe people who can spot 'fake news' or logical fallacies quickly.
Use it for Kids
Filipinos love praising children with this phrase. It's a great way to build rapport with Filipino parents.
The 'Dila' Trap
Always double-check if you said 'isip' or 'dila.' Calling your boss 'matalas ang dila' might get you fired!
Signification
Someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted.
Use it for Kids
Filipinos love praising children with this phrase. It's a great way to build rapport with Filipino parents.
The 'Dila' Trap
Always double-check if you said 'isip' or 'dila.' Calling your boss 'matalas ang dila' might get you fired!
Pluralize it!
If you're talking about a group, use 'Matatalas' to sound more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the idiom.
Matalas ang ____ ni Maria kaya mabilis siyang matuto.
'Isip' (mind) is the correct component for the idiom meaning intelligent.
Which of these sentences is a compliment?
Piliin ang tamang pangungusap:
'Matalas ang isip' is a compliment about intelligence, while 'matalas ang dila' is a criticism.
Match the Filipino phrase to its English meaning.
I-match ang mga sumusunod:
This tests your ability to distinguish between different 'matalas' idioms.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
Guro: 'Sino ang makakasagot sa mahirap na tanong na ito?' Estudyante: 'Si Pedro po, ____.'
Pedro is the one to answer because he is smart (matalas ang isip).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMatalas ang ____ ni Maria kaya mabilis siyang matuto.
'Isip' (mind) is the correct component for the idiom meaning intelligent.
Piliin ang tamang pangungusap:
'Matalas ang isip' is a compliment about intelligence, while 'matalas ang dila' is a criticism.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This tests your ability to distinguish between different 'matalas' idioms.
Guro: 'Sino ang makakasagot sa mahirap na tanong na ito?' Estudyante: 'Si Pedro po, ____.'
Pedro is the one to answer because he is smart (matalas ang isip).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot necessarily better, but more specific. 'Matalino' is general intelligence, while 'matalas ang isip' emphasizes being quick and sharp.
Yes, but it might sound a bit boastful. It's better to use it to describe others.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a business meeting.
The opposite is 'mahina ang isip' (weak mind) or 'mabagal umintindi' (slow to understand).
Expressions liées
Matalino
synonymIntelligent
Matalas ang dila
contrastSharp-tongued / Mean
Matalas ang pandinig
similarSharp hearing
Mautak
specialized formBrainy / Cunning
