Usage Note
Kobrá is the verb meaning to collect or charge payment, derived from Spanish 'cobrar.' It is used in commercial and financial transactions — a delivery rider, a vendor, or a debt collector 'nagkokobrá' when they collect money owed. The stress on the final syllable distinguishes it from 'kóbra' (the snake).
Examples
" Kumobra siya ng bayad. "
Natural Translation
He/She collected the payment.
Literal Translation
Collected he/she of payment.
" Ang kobrá ng pera ay bukas pa. "
Natural Translation
The collection of the money is still tomorrow.
Literal Translation
The collect-payment of money is tomorrow yet.
" Dumating ang tindera para kumobra ng utang, ngunit wala pa ring pambayad ang mga nangungupahan sa kanya. "
Natural Translation
The vendor came to collect the debt, but the tenants still had no money to pay her.
Literal Translation
Came the vendor to collect of debt, but none still also money-to-pay the tenants to her.
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