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atubili

atubilì with stress marks

hesitation

noun a-tu-bi-LI Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Atubili is the state of being uncertain or indecisive before acting, and it is often connected to hiya — Filipinos may express atubili when asked to accept a gift, speak up in public, or make a bold request, as directness can feel presumptuous.

Examples

Beginner

" May atubili siya. "

Natural Translation

She has some hesitation.

Literal Translation

Has hesitation she.

Intermediate

" Puno ng atubili ang lalaki. "

Natural Translation

The man is full of hesitation.

Literal Translation

Full of hesitation the man.

Advanced

" Dahil sa hiya, may atubili siyang tanggapin ang regalo kahit alam niyang taos-puso ang pagbibigay. "

Natural Translation

Out of shyness, she felt some hesitation to accept the gift even though she knew the giving was heartfelt.

Literal Translation

Because of shyness, has hesitation she accept the gift even-though knew she heartfelt the giving.

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