Usage Note
Tono is a Spanish loanword covering musical tone, vocal tone, and the mood or register of speech or writing. In casual conversation, 'anong tono mo?' can mean either 'what key are you singing in?' or 'what's your attitude?' — making it a versatile word in both music and social commentary.
Examples
" Maganda ang tono ng kanta. "
Natural Translation
The tone of the song is nice.
Literal Translation
Nice the tone of-the song.
" Mataas ang tono ng kanyang boses. "
Natural Translation
The tone of his/her voice is high.
Literal Translation
High the tone of his/her voice.
" Sa tono pa lang ng kanyang sagot, alam ko nang galit siya sa akin. "
Natural Translation
From the tone alone of his answer, I already knew he was angry at me.
Literal Translation
From tone still-only of his answer, knew I already angry he at me.
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