Bedeutung
A heavy burden or responsibility one carries.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a direct reflection of the 'Pasyon' and the 'Nazareno' devotion in Quiapo, where millions of men struggle to touch a cross-bearing statue. The 'Panganay' (eldest) is culturally expected to carry the 'krus' of the family's future, often delaying their own marriage or career. Millions of Filipinos working abroad describe their loneliness and hard labor as a 'krus sa balikat' for the sake of their families back home. National hero Jose Rizal used similar imagery in his novels to describe the suffering of the Filipino people under colonial rule.
Use with Empathy
When using this for others, use a soft tone to show you understand their struggle.
Not for Objects
Never use this for a heavy suitcase. It will sound very strange to native speakers.
Bedeutung
A heavy burden or responsibility one carries.
Use with Empathy
When using this for others, use a soft tone to show you understand their struggle.
Not for Objects
Never use this for a heavy suitcase. It will sound very strange to native speakers.
The Verb 'Pasan'
Pair it with the verb 'pasan' to sound more like a native speaker.
Religious Context
Be aware that older Filipinos may take the religious imagery more seriously than younger ones.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Ang pag-aalaga sa maysakit na magulang ay isang ____ sa balikat.
The idiom is 'krus sa balikat,' referring to a heavy burden.
Which situation best fits the use of 'krus sa balikat'?
Piliin ang tamang sitwasyon:
The idiom is for heavy life responsibilities, like being a working student for your family.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Bakit ka malungkot?' B: 'Ang dami ko kasing utang, parang ____.'
Debts are a burden, making 'krus sa balikat' the appropriate idiom.
Match the person to their 'krus sa balikat'.
1. Panganay na anak, 2. Lider ng bansa, 3. Nag-iisang magulang
These are typical responsibilities associated with these roles.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Literal vs Figurative
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAng pag-aalaga sa maysakit na magulang ay isang ____ sa balikat.
The idiom is 'krus sa balikat,' referring to a heavy burden.
Piliin ang tamang sitwasyon:
The idiom is for heavy life responsibilities, like being a working student for your family.
A: 'Bakit ka malungkot?' B: 'Ang dami ko kasing utang, parang ____.'
Debts are a burden, making 'krus sa balikat' the appropriate idiom.
1. Panganay na anak, 2. Lider ng bansa, 3. Nag-iisang magulang
These are typical responsibilities associated with these roles.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenNo, it is a general idiom used by everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, to describe life's hardships.
It might be a bit too dramatic for an exam unless that exam determines your entire future (like a Bar Exam).
'Pasan ang daigdig' (carrying the world) is even heavier and usually implies you are responsible for everyone's problems, not just your own.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, in a speech, or in a book.
No, the standard idiom always uses 'balikat' (shoulder).
Usually, but it can also refer to a country's burden, like 'Ang utang ng Pilipinas ay krus sa balikat ng bayan.'
You say 'Pasan ko ang krus.'
Yes, it describes a difficult situation, but carrying it well is seen as a positive trait (resilience).
Yes, if you are joking about a small problem, like 'Krus sa balikat ko ang pagda-diet.' (Dieting is my cross to bear.)
The closest equivalent is 'A cross to bear.'
It is singular in the phrase, but it implies the area where you carry things.
The words are simple (cross, shoulder), making it a great introduction to Filipino idioms for beginners.
Yes, you can say 'Krus sa balikat ko ang taong iyan' if they are a constant burden to you.
Yes, it is very common throughout the Philippines.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Pasan ang daigdig
similarCarrying the world on one's shoulders
Mabigat ang loob
similarHeavy-hearted / Resentful
Gumaan ang pakiramdam
contrastTo feel relieved
Kalbaryo
builds onA long ordeal
Pasakit
specialized formAffliction
