tumikhim
tumikhím with stress marks
to clear one's throat
From root: tikhim
Conjugations
Past (Completed)
tumikhim
tu-mik-HIM
cleared throat
Present (Incomplete)
tumitikhim
tu-mi-tik-HIM
is clearing throat
Future (Contemplated)
titikhim
ti-tik-HIM
will clear throat
Usage Note
Tumikhim is the actor-focus infinitive of tikhim, specifically the soft, deliberate throat-clear used to attract attention or signal one's presence — distinct from coughing due to illness. It is a socially coded gesture in Filipino culture for politely interrupting or signaling that one wishes to speak, especially in formal or hierarchical settings.
Examples
" Tumikhim siya bago magsalita. "
Natural Translation
He cleared his throat before speaking.
Literal Translation
Cleared-throat he before to-speak.
" Bago magsalita sa harap ng mikropono, sinubukan muna niyang tumikhim. "
Natural Translation
Before speaking in front of the microphone, he/she tried clearing his/her throat first.
Literal Translation
Before to-speak at front of microphone tried first he/she to-clear-throat.
" Marahang tumikhim ang guro upang makuha ang atensyon ng klase bago niya simulan ang mahabang talakayan. "
Natural Translation
The teacher gently cleared her throat to get the class's attention before she began the long discussion.
Literal Translation
Gently cleared-throat the teacher in-order-to get the attention of class before she begin the long discussion.
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