tikom
tíkom with stress marks
closed or shut
Usage Note
Tikom describes something that is closed or shut, particularly lips or a mouth. 'Tikom ang bibig' (lips sealed/mouth shut) is a common expression urging silence or secrecy. It can also be used for other closed things such as a bud that has not yet opened.
Examples
" Tikom ang kanyang bibig. "
Natural Translation
His mouth is shut.
Literal Translation
Closed the his mouth.
" Tikom ang kanyang bibig habang nakikinig. "
Natural Translation
His/Her mouth is closed while listening.
Literal Translation
Closed the his/her mouth while listening.
" Kahit pinipilit siyang magsalita ng mga reporter, nanatiling tikom ang kanyang bibig tungkol sa naganap na insidente. "
Natural Translation
Even though the reporters were forcing him to speak, his lips remained sealed about the incident that happened.
Literal Translation
Even forcing him to-speak the reporters, remaining closed the his mouth about the happened incident.
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