ngiwi
ngíwì with stress marks
a grimace or a wince
Usage Note
Ngiwi describes the involuntary twisting of the face in pain, disgust, or distaste. It is a highly expressive word used to describe physical and emotional reactions alike, often said of someone who reacts visibly to bad taste, an unpleasant smell, or a painful experience.
Examples
" May ngiwi sa mukha mo. "
Natural Translation
There is a grimace on your face.
Literal Translation
Have grimace on face your.
" Isang mabilis na ngiwi ang nakita ko sa kanyang mukha. "
Natural Translation
I saw a quick grimace on his/her face.
Literal Translation
One fast grimace the saw I on his/her face.
" Sa bawat hakbang ng kanyang nasugatang paa, isang ngiwi ng sakit ang lumalabas sa kanyang mukha. "
Natural Translation
With every step of his injured foot, a grimace of pain crossed his face.
Literal Translation
On every step of his injured foot, one grimace of pain the coming-out on his face.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
How Tagalog words workRelated Words
Explore Tagalog by topic
Free guides on grammar, vocabulary, and culture to take you past single-word lookups.

Philippines Geography for Learners: Islands & Language
Philippines geography for Tagalog learners: 7,641 islands, three island groups, and the Southern Luzon heartland where the Tagalog language was born.

How to Say "I Love You" in Tagalog: Phrases & Meaning
Learn how to say I love you in Tagalog. Mahal kita, Iniibig kita, and Filipino terms of endearment for partners, family, and friends — with cultural notes.

Ang, Ng, Sa: The 3 Tagalog Case Markers Explained
Ang, ng, sa are the three Tagalog case markers every noun takes. Learn what each does, the personal forms si/ni/kay, plurals with mga, and clear examples.

Tagalog Root Words: Learn a Few Hundred, Understand Thousands
Tagalog root words unlock vocabulary fast: learn a few hundred and recognize thousands. Real word families, examples, and a practical study strategy.