'Nangingilo, sungki, pasta': Some Filipino dental terms that are lost in Aussie English translation

In this Usap Tayo episode, we discuss some Filipino dental jargon that's often lost in translation to Australian English, leading to miscommunication during check-ups.

Source: Getty / Getty Images/Xixinxing

Key Points

• Lost in Translation: Terms like nangingilo (sensitive teeth), pasta (filling), and pustiso (dentures) can be unfamiliar or used differently in Australian dental clinics.
• Cultural Disconnect: Phrases such as may butas ang ngipin (has a cavity) or magpapabunot (will have a tooth pulled) are rarely used in the same way by Aussie dentists.
• Health Impacts: Misunderstandings of terms like namamaga ang gilagid (swollen gums) or singaw (mouth ulcer) can delay treatment and affect oral health outcomes.

LISTEN TO

'Nangingilo, sungki, pasta': Some Filipino dental terms that are lost in Aussie English translation

SBS Filipino

06:32Filipino

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