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sikip

síkip with stress marks

tightness; crowding

noun verb SI-kip Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Sikip describes a cramped, tight, or suffocating condition — a packed jeepney, a tight-fitting shirt, or a narrow alleyway. The adjective form masikip is common, and the word also describes emotional constriction: masikip ang dibdib ko signals anxiety or grief rather than a physical sensation.

Examples

Beginner

" Masikip ang aming kuwarto. "

Natural Translation

Our room is cramped.

Literal Translation

Cramped the our room.

Intermediate

" Reklamo niya ang sikip ng kanyang bagong sapatos. "

Natural Translation

He/she complained about the tightness of his/her new shoes.

Literal Translation

Complained he/she the tightness of his/her new shoes.

Advanced

" Dahil sa sikip ng tren tuwing umaga, halos hindi na ako makahinga sa dami ng tao. "

Natural Translation

Because of the crowding on the train every morning, I can barely breathe with so many people.

Literal Translation

Because of crowding of train every morning, almost not anymore I can-breathe in number of people.

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