Signification
Deliberately ignoring instructions or calls.
Contexte culturel
In many Filipino homes, children are expected to be 'mabait' (obedient). 'Taingang-kawali' is a common term parents use to discipline children who are being stubborn. The 'kawali' is more than a pan; it's a symbol of the hearth. Using it in an idiom shows how central cooking and home life are to the Filipino language. In the Philippines, subordinates might use 'taingang-kawali' as a form of 'silent protest' against an overbearing boss, avoiding tasks without verbal conflict. Because Filipinos value harmony, they might pretend not to hear a controversial comment to avoid an argument, which is a 'polite' version of taingang-kawali.
Use with caution
Even though it's common, it's still an accusation. Use it with people you are close to.
Don't forget the 'NG'
Saying 'Tainga-kawali' sounds like a broken robot. Always include the linker.
Signification
Deliberately ignoring instructions or calls.
Use with caution
Even though it's common, it's still an accusation. Use it with people you are close to.
Don't forget the 'NG'
Saying 'Tainga-kawali' sounds like a broken robot. Always include the linker.
Verbalize it
You'll sound much more native if you use it as a verb: 'Nagta-taingang-kawali ka na naman!'
The 'Seen' Zone
In the Philippines, if someone sees your message but doesn't reply, you can jokingly call them 'taingang-kawali' of the internet.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Bakit ka ba ___________ habang tinatawag kita para kumain?
The progressive form 'nagta-taingang-kawali' is needed to describe the ongoing action of ignoring.
Which situation best describes 'taingang-kawali'?
Which of these people is being a 'taingang-kawali'?
The idiom specifically refers to *deliberately* ignoring someone.
Complete the dialogue.
Nanay: 'Juan, maghugas ka na ng pinggan!' Juan: (No response) Nanay: 'Hoy Juan! ___________'
The mother is calling out Juan for ignoring her command.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'Taingang-kawali' with its primary intent.
The idiom is most commonly used when someone wants to get out of doing something.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBakit ka ba ___________ habang tinatawag kita para kumain?
The progressive form 'nagta-taingang-kawali' is needed to describe the ongoing action of ignoring.
Which of these people is being a 'taingang-kawali'?
The idiom specifically refers to *deliberately* ignoring someone.
Nanay: 'Juan, maghugas ka na ng pinggan!' Juan: (No response) Nanay: 'Hoy Juan! ___________'
The mother is calling out Juan for ignoring her command.
Match 'Taingang-kawali' with its primary intent.
The idiom is most commonly used when someone wants to get out of doing something.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's a descriptive idiom, but it can be used in an angry way.
Yes! You can say 'Nagta-taingang-kawali lang ako' if you want to admit you were ignoring someone jokingly.
'Dedma' is broader and more modern. 'Taingang-kawali' specifically implies you are pretending not to hear a call.
Use 'nagta-taingang-kawali' for both present and past, or 'nag-taingang-kawali' for a completed action.
Probably not. It's quite informal and might be seen as talking back.
Because the handles of a wok are called 'ears' in Filipino, and metal handles can't hear!
The formal equivalent would be 'hindi pagtugon' or 'sadyang hindi pakikinig'.
No, it is too informal for professional writing.
Yes, it is commonly used now for people who ignore digital messages.
Yes, it is understood throughout the Philippines as it is a standard Tagalog idiom.
Expressions liées
Nagbibingi-bingihan
synonymPretending to be deaf.
Dedma
similarTo ignore someone completely.
Makinig
contrastTo listen.
Pasok sa isang tainga
builds onIn one ear and out the other.
