tornilyo
tornílyo with stress marks
screw
Usage Note
Tornilyo comes from Spanish tornillo and is the standard Tagalog word for a threaded screw used in carpentry and mechanics. The colloquial phrase 'kulang ang tornilyo' — missing a screw — is a popular way to describe someone who seems not quite right in the head.
Examples
" Naghahanap ako ng tornilyo. "
Natural Translation
I'm looking for a screw.
Literal Translation
Looking-for I of screw.
" Kailangan ko ng tornilyo para sa mesa. "
Natural Translation
I need a screw for the table.
Literal Translation
Need I of screw for table.
" Mukhang kulang ang tornilyo niya kasi tuwing pinaaalalahanan mo siya, ginagawa pa rin niya ang kabaliktaran. "
Natural Translation
He seems to have a screw loose because every time you remind him, he still does the opposite.
Literal Translation
Seems lacking the screw his because every reminded you him, does still he the opposite.
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