huweteng
huweténg with stress marks
lottery; form of gambling
Usage Note
Huweteng is a numbers game of Chinese origin that has been deeply embedded in Philippine informal gambling culture for centuries. Players bet on two-digit number combinations; draws are held daily. Despite being illegal, it operates openly in many communities through local operators called 'kubrador.' The game is a significant part of urban and rural lower-income social life and has been the subject of numerous anti-gambling campaigns.
Examples
" Tumaya siya sa huweteng. "
Natural Translation
He/She placed a bet in the numbers game.
Literal Translation
Bet he/she in-the huweteng.
" Nanalo siya sa huweteng. "
Natural Translation
He/She won in the lottery.
Literal Translation
Won he/she in-the lottery.
" Kahit ipinagbabawal ng batas, patuloy pa ring laganap ang huweteng sa maraming baryo dahil sa kahirapan. "
Natural Translation
Even though it is prohibited by law, the numbers game is still widespread in many villages because of poverty.
Literal Translation
Even-though prohibited by-the law, continuing still also widespread the huweteng in many villages because-of-the poverty.
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