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kiri

kirî with stress marks

flirt; flirtatious

noun adjective ki-RI Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Kiri describes someone who is coquettish or flirtatious in manner — playfully teasing or attention-seeking in romantic contexts. The word is often used with mild amusement rather than judgment, describing charming yet calculated social behavior. It is more commonly applied to women in traditional usage.

Examples

Beginner

" Kiri ang dalagang iyon. "

Natural Translation

That young woman is flirtatious.

Literal Translation

Flirtatious the young-woman that.

Intermediate

" Kiri talaga ang babaeng iyon, palaging nakikipaglokohan sa mga lalaki. "

Natural Translation

That woman is really a flirt, always teasing the men.

Literal Translation

Flirtatious really the woman that, always joking-with the men.

Advanced

" Bagaman tinatawag siyang kiri ng mga kapitbahay, palakaibigan lamang talaga siya at mabait sa lahat. "

Natural Translation

Although the neighbors call her flirtatious, she is really just friendly and kind to everyone.

Literal Translation

Although being-called she flirtatious by-the neighbors, friendly only really she and kind to all.

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