dukha
dukhâ with stress marks
poor; destitute; indigent
Usage Note
Dukha is a core Tagalog word for poverty, carrying emotional weight beyond the merely economic — it implies a deep, often chronic lack of resources. It is distinct from mahirap in that it connotes more extreme deprivation, and it is used with compassion in literature, song, and political rhetoric.
Examples
" Dukha ang pamilya namin noon. "
Natural Translation
Our family was poor before.
Literal Translation
Poor the family our before.
" Isang dukha na pamilya ang nakatira doon. "
Natural Translation
A poor family lives there.
Literal Translation
One poor that family the living there.
" Kahit dukha ang kanilang pamilya, pinaglaban ng mga magulang na makatapos ng pag-aaral ang lahat ng anak nila. "
Natural Translation
Even though their family was poor, the parents fought to make sure all their children finished school.
Literal Translation
Even-if poor the their family, fought-for of the parents that finish of studies the all of children their.
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