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lista

lísta with stress marks

alert; clever; quick

adjective LIS-ta Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Lista is the feminine form of the Spanish loanword listo and describes a woman who is sharp, quick-witted, or alert. It functions as a genuine compliment for intellectual acuity, though in some contexts it carries a note of caution — suggesting someone is also shrewd or sly; the masculine counterpart is listo.

Examples

Beginner

" Lista ang bata sa klase. "

Natural Translation

The child is clever in class.

Literal Translation

Clever the child in class.

Intermediate

" Lista ang batang ito. "

Natural Translation

This child is clever.

Literal Translation

Clever the child this.

Advanced

" Napakalista ng dalagang iyon kaya nakukuha niya agad ang mga sagot bago pa matapos ang tanong. "

Natural Translation

That young woman is so sharp that she gets the answers right away even before the question is finished.

Literal Translation

Very-clever the young-woman that so gets she immediately the answers before yet finished the question.

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