sintabi
sintabî with stress marks
to ask permission or show respect
Usage Note
Sintabi is a formal expression used to politely acknowledge elders or ask permission to pass or enter a space, rooted in the deep Filipino value of galang. It is more often heard in rural communities and traditional households; urban speakers may use makikiraan for the physical act of passing.
Examples
" Magsintabi ka muna bago pumasok. "
Natural Translation
Ask permission first before entering.
Literal Translation
Ask-permission you first before enter.
" Kailangan ng sintabi bago pumasok. "
Natural Translation
You need to ask permission before entering.
Literal Translation
Need of ask permission before enter.
" Itinuro ng lola na dapat laging magsintabi kapag dumaraan sa harap ng nakatatanda bilang tanda ng paggalang. "
Natural Translation
Grandmother taught that one should always ask permission when passing in front of an elder as a sign of respect.
Literal Translation
Taught of grandmother that should always ask-permission when passing at front of elder as sign of respect.
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