Signification
Someone who says harsh or mean things.
Contexte culturel
Filipinos value 'Amor Propio' (self-love/pride). A 'matalim ang dila' person attacks this pride, which is why it is considered so offensive. The use of 'po' and 'opo' is the opposite of being 'matalim ang dila'. Respectful language is the cultural shield against verbal sharpness. Talk show hosts are sometimes praised for having a 'matalim na dila' if they ask the hard, biting questions that the public wants to hear. The term 'bardagulan' (online verbal fighting) often involves people being 'matalim ang dila' to gain likes and followers.
Use with 'Napakatalim'
If someone is being *really* mean, add the prefix 'napaka-' to 'talim' to emphasize the intensity.
Don't use 'Matulis'
Even though 'matulis' also means sharp, it's never used for this idiom. It will sound very strange to native speakers.
Signification
Someone who says harsh or mean things.
Use with 'Napakatalim'
If someone is being *really* mean, add the prefix 'napaka-' to 'talim' to emphasize the intensity.
Don't use 'Matulis'
Even though 'matulis' also means sharp, it's never used for this idiom. It will sound very strange to native speakers.
The 'Tampo' Factor
Remember that being 'matalim ang dila' often leads to 'tampo' (sulking/grudges) in Filipino culture, which can last a long time.
Teste-toi
Which word correctly completes the idiom?
Si Maria ay hindi nagugustuhan ng marami dahil _______ ang kanyang dila.
'Matalim' is the standard word used for this idiom meaning 'sharp'.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Your friend just said something very mean to you during an argument.
This is the appropriate idiom for someone saying hurtful things.
Fill in the missing marker.
Matalim ____ dila ni Juan kapag siya ay galit.
The marker 'ang' is required to link the adjective 'matalim' to the subject 'dila'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bakit umiiyak si Lito? B: Sinabihan siya ni Sarah ng masasakit na salita. Alam mo naman si Sarah, ________.
The context of 'masasakit na salita' (painful words) leads to the idiom 'matalim ang dila'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSi Maria ay hindi nagugustuhan ng marami dahil _______ ang kanyang dila.
'Matalim' is the standard word used for this idiom meaning 'sharp'.
Your friend just said something very mean to you during an argument.
This is the appropriate idiom for someone saying hurtful things.
Matalim ____ dila ni Juan kapag siya ay galit.
The marker 'ang' is required to link the adjective 'matalim' to the subject 'dila'.
A: Bakit umiiyak si Lito? B: Sinabihan siya ni Sarah ng masasakit na salita. Alam mo naman si Sarah, ________.
The context of 'masasakit na salita' (painful words) leads to the idiom 'matalim ang dila'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is almost always negative. It describes a lack of kindness and social grace.
Yes, usually when apologizing: 'Pasensya na, naging matalim ang dila ko.'
They both mean sharp. 'Matalim' is usually for blades, 'matalas' for senses or tools. Both work for the idiom, but 'matalim' is more common.
It can be used in literature or journalism to describe a person's character, but it is considered informal/idiomatic.
You say: 'Matalim ang dila niya.'
No, 'Matalim ang dila' is the fixed idiom. For 'mouth', we say 'Masama ang bibig' (bad mouth).
Very common. You will hear it in daily life, on TV, and in movies.
No, it means they are being mean or harsh. A person who lies is 'sinungaling'.
Yes, if a child is being disrespectful or saying mean things, you can use it.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'mabait magsalita' (kind in speaking) is the general opposite.
Expressions liées
Matabil ang dila
similarTalkative in a way that causes trouble.
Matalas ang dila
synonymSharp-tongued.
Mabulaklak ang dila
contrastFlowery words; silver-tongued.
Walang preno ang bibig
similarNo filter; says whatever comes to mind.
