sutil
sutíl with stress marks
stubborn; disobedient
Usage Note
Sutil describes a child or person who persistently refuses to listen or comply — stubborn in a willful, often frustrating way. It is most commonly applied to children (batang sutil) and carries a tone of mild exasperation. Parents and teachers use it frequently. Unlike 'matigas ang ulo' (hardheaded), sutil emphasizes deliberate noncompliance over general stubbornness.
Examples
" Sutil talaga ang bata. "
Natural Translation
The child is really stubborn.
Literal Translation
Stubborn really the child.
" Sutil ang batang iyon. "
Natural Translation
That child is stubborn.
Literal Translation
Stubborn the child that.
" Kahit paulit-ulit nang pinagsabihan, sutil pa rin ang batang ayaw matulog nang maaga. "
Natural Translation
Even though he has been told repeatedly, the child who refuses to sleep early is still disobedient.
Literal Translation
Even repeatedly already told, stubborn still the child who-doesn't-want sleep early.
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