ala
similar to; a prefix to signify time
Usage Note
Ala is borrowed from Spanish a la and functions primarily as a time prefix before numbers to express clock hours, with ala-una through ala-dose covering one through twelve. It also appears colloquially meaning in the style of, as in ala-artista, and is extremely common in casual Filipino speech.
Examples
" Ala una na ng tanghali. "
Natural Translation
It's already one o'clock in the afternoon.
Literal Translation
Ala one already of midday.
" Ala singko na ng hapon. "
Natural Translation
It is already five o'clock in the afternoon.
Literal Translation
Ala five already of afternoon.
" Kung makakarating ka nang alas otso ng umaga, aabutan mo pa ang almusal na inihanda namin. "
Natural Translation
If you can arrive by eight o'clock in the morning, you'll still catch the breakfast we prepared.
Literal Translation
If can-arrive you at alas eight of morning, catch you still the breakfast that prepared we.
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