kusing
kusíng with stress marks
half-cent (Spanish period)
Usage Note
Kusing historically referred to a small coin worth half a centavo during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Today it is an archaic term that survives mainly in idiomatic expressions meaning something of very little or no value.
Examples
" Wala akong kahit isang kusing. "
Natural Translation
I don't have even a single cent.
Literal Translation
None I even one half-cent.
" Mahalaga ang bawat kusing noon. "
Natural Translation
Every half-cent was important back then.
Literal Translation
Important the every half-cent then.
" Noong panahon ng mga Espanyol, kahit isang kusing ay sapat na para makabili ng kaunting pagkain sa palengke. "
Natural Translation
During the Spanish period, even a single half-cent was enough to buy a little food at the market.
Literal Translation
During time of-the Spanish, even one half-cent is enough already for can-buy of little food in market.
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