Signification
Being idealistic or unproductive.
Contexte culturel
In provinces, the night sky is very clear. Counting stars was a literal pastime for children, but elders used the phrase to remind them that life requires hard work during the day. The 1989 film 'Nagbibilang ng Bituin' used the idiom to represent the impossible dreams of a poor woman striving for a better life. Nowadays, 'nagbibilang ng bituin' is often used to describe 'scrolling' aimlessly on phones instead of working. Some old folks believe that literally counting stars can cause warts, adding a layer of 'danger' to the literal act, which reinforces the idiom's negative connotation.
Use it for 'Spaced Out'
If a friend isn't listening to you, this is a perfect, gentle way to call them back to the conversation.
Not for Romance
Unless you are being very poetic, don't use this to describe actual stargazing on a date; it might sound like you're calling your date lazy!
Signification
Being idealistic or unproductive.
Use it for 'Spaced Out'
If a friend isn't listening to you, this is a perfect, gentle way to call them back to the conversation.
Not for Romance
Unless you are being very poetic, don't use this to describe actual stargazing on a date; it might sound like you're calling your date lazy!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Huwag kang magbibilang ng _______ habang nagtatrabaho.
The idiom is 'nagbibilang ng bituin.'
What does 'Nagbibilang ng bituin' mean in this sentence: 'Si Pedro ay nagbibilang ng bituin sa opisina.'?
Meaning of the phrase:
In an office context, this idiom refers to lack of productivity.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Nanay: 'Anak, kanina ka pa nakatingin sa labas. Tulungan mo ako rito!' Anak: 'Opo, Nay. Sorry po, _______ ako.'
The child was staring outside and not helping, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesHuwag kang magbibilang ng _______ habang nagtatrabaho.
The idiom is 'nagbibilang ng bituin.'
Meaning of the phrase:
In an office context, this idiom refers to lack of productivity.
Nanay: 'Anak, kanina ka pa nakatingin sa labas. Tulungan mo ako rito!' Anak: 'Opo, Nay. Sorry po, _______ ako.'
The child was staring outside and not helping, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt's a mild critique. It's more like calling someone a 'daydreamer' than a 'lazy person,' but it depends on the tone.
Yes! You can say 'Pasensya na, nagbibilang lang ako ng bituin' if you get caught daydreaming.
A good opposite would be 'Nakatapak sa lupa' (Feet on the ground/Grounded).
No, it's considered an idiomatic expression best suited for casual or creative writing.
Expressions liées
Nananaginip nang gising
synonymDaydreaming while awake
Lutang
similarFloating / Spaced out
Tulala
similarStaring blankly
Naghahanap ng wala
similarLooking for nothing
