walang pera
The Tagalog phrase for "no money" is walang pera.
walang pera is used to describe a state of having no financial resources or funds. Depending on the context, it can refer to a temporary state of being broke or a permanent state of poverty.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pera means "money".
Which one should you use?
While walang pera is a literal way to express having no money, the term naghihirap is a much stronger word used specifically to describe someone who is suffering or living in extreme poverty.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase walang pera, the linker -ng is attached to the word wala to connect it to the noun pera.
Did you know?
- Filipinos often use the word petsa de peligro, meaning 'date of danger', to describe the stressful days just before payday when they are walang pera.
- The Spanish coins that likely gave pera its name featured a lion that was so poorly drawn people humorously called it a perra or 'bitch'.
- In the Philippines, expressing walang pera can be a social lubricant to politely decline an invitation without offending the host.
Examples in context
- Ang mga kabataan ay may oras pero walang pera, at ang mga matatanda naman ay may pera pero walang oras.The youth have time but no money, and adults have money but no time.This sentence illustrates the contrast between the youth having time but no money and adults having money but no time using walang pera.Tatoeba #11870816 by qwertzu, translation #11111123 by CM
- Wala talaga akong pera, bro. Tinamaan ako sa gastos ngayong linggo.I really have no money, bro. I got hit with expenses this week.
- Walang pera ang mga estudyante ngayon.The students have no money right now.
- Gusto kong bumili pero walang pera.I want to buy it, but I have no money.
Example conversation
Angela and Jose are talking about going to a restaurant.
- AngelaGusto mo bang kumain sa labas, Jose?Do you want to eat out, Jose?
- JoseGusto ko sana, pero walang pera ako.I would like to, but I have no money.
- AngelaHuwag kang mag-alala, libre ko na.Don't worry, it's my treat.
- JoseSalamat, Angela!Thank you, Angela!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
