sintunado
off key; out of tune
Usage Note
Sintunado comes from Spanish sintonado and means out of tune or off-key. It is a very common word in Filipino karaoke culture, where singing ability is a serious social matter — being called sintunado is lighthearted criticism but can sting in a society where communal singing is a beloved pastime.
Examples
" Sintunado ang boses ko. "
Natural Translation
My voice is off key.
Literal Translation
Off-key the voice my.
" Sintunado ang kanyang pagkanta. "
Natural Translation
His/her singing is off key.
Literal Translation
Off key the his/her singing.
" Kahit medyo sintunado siyang kumanta, masayang-masaya pa rin ang lahat habang nagvi-videoke sa pista. "
Natural Translation
Even though he sang a bit off key, everyone was still very happy while doing videoke at the fiesta.
Literal Translation
Even slightly off-key he-LINKER sang, very-happy still all while doing-videoke at-the fiesta.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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