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bala

balâ with stress marks

threat; omen

noun ba-LA Native origin Less Common

Also means

Bala can also mean a bullet, though that version is spelled bála and is derived from Spanish.

Usage Note

Bala refers to a threat or warning and is the root word for 'babala,' the common term for official notices or caution signs found throughout the Philippines. While 'bala' implies a serious menace, learners will most often see its derived forms used in daily public safety contexts.

Examples

Beginner

" Hindi ako natatakot sa bala mo. "

Natural Translation

I'm not afraid of your threat.

Literal Translation

Not I afraid to threat your.

Advanced

" Ang bala ng kalaban ay walang bisa sa taong matatag ang loob at malinis ang konsensiya. "

Natural Translation

An enemy's threat has no power over a person with a steadfast heart and a clear conscience.

Literal Translation

The threat of enemy is no effect on person steadfast the inner-self and clean the conscience.

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