kitikiti
kitikíti with stress marks
mosquito larva; fidgety person
Usage Note
Kitikiti literally refers to mosquito larvae wriggling in stagnant water — a common public health concern during rainy season in the Philippines. Figuratively, it describes a restless, constantly-moving person, especially a child who cannot sit still. The dual sense reflects the wriggling motion shared by both.
Examples
" Kitikiti ang aking anak. "
Natural Translation
My child is fidgety.
Literal Translation
Fidgety the my child.
" Kitikiti ang batang iyon; hindi mapalagay. "
Natural Translation
That child is so fidgety; he/she can't sit still.
Literal Translation
Fidgety the child that; not-able-to-settle-down.
" Dahil sa baradong kanal, dumami ang kitikiti at lumaganap ang mga lamok sa aming lugar. "
Natural Translation
Because of the clogged canal, the mosquito larvae multiplied and mosquitoes spread throughout our area.
Literal Translation
Because of-the clogged canal, multiplied the larvae and spread the mosquitoes in our place.
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