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hiya

hiyâ with stress marks

shame; embarrassment

noun hi-YA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Hiya is a core Filipino value involving a sense of propriety and the avoidance of social embarrassment. It is commonly used to describe feeling shy or hesitant, and appears in key phrases like 'nakakahiya' (embarrassing) or 'walang hiya' (shameless).

Examples

Beginner

" Wala siyang hiya. "

Natural Translation

He has no shame.

Literal Translation

None he shame.

Intermediate

" Ramdam ang hiya sa kaniyang mukha. "

Natural Translation

The embarrassment on his/her face is felt.

Literal Translation

Felt the shame on his/her face.

Advanced

" Dahil sa labis na hiya, hindi niya magawang umamin sa harap ng buong klase. "

Natural Translation

Because of intense embarrassment, he could not bring himself to admit it in front of the whole class.

Literal Translation

Because of excessive shame, not he able admit in front of whole class.

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