superpisyal
superpísyal with stress marks
superficial
Usage Note
Superpisyal is an Anglicized loanword used to describe something shallow, surface-level, or lacking depth — whether a wound, a relationship, or an analysis. It appears in formal writing, academic settings, and educated conversation. The English word 'superficial' is also frequently used interchangeably in code-switched Filipino speech.
Examples
" Superpisyal lang ang sugat. "
Natural Translation
The wound is only superficial.
Literal Translation
Superficial only the wound.
" Superpisyal lang ang kanyang sugat. "
Natural Translation
His/her wound is only superficial.
Literal Translation
Superficial only the his/her wound.
" Mukhang malalim ang usapan nila, ngunit superpisyal lang pala at walang totoong nilalaman. "
Natural Translation
Their conversation seems deep, but it turns out it's only superficial and has no real substance.
Literal Translation
Seems deep the conversation their, but superficial only turns-out and without real content.
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