timtim
timtím with stress marks
tasting without swallowing; modest woman
Usage Note
Timtim has two related senses: the literal act of tasting something lightly without fully consuming it, and a figurative description of a woman of refined, modest character. The dual meaning suggests a cultural association between restrained behavior and virtue. The term is somewhat old-fashioned and more common in formal or literary Tagalog.
Examples
" Mabait at timtim ang dalaga. "
Natural Translation
The young woman is kind and modest.
Literal Translation
Kind and modest the young-woman.
" Siya ay isang timtim na dalaga. "
Natural Translation
He/She is a modest woman.
Literal Translation
He/She is a modest woman.
" Bago lumunok, ginawa muna niya ang isang timtim upang tiyakin kung sapat na ang lasa ng sabaw. "
Natural Translation
Before swallowing, she first took a light taste to make sure the broth was seasoned enough.
Literal Translation
Before to-swallow, did first she the one taste so-that to-confirm if enough already the taste of broth.
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