Usage Note
Kuwarta is one of the most common words for money in colloquial Tagalog, derived from the Spanish 'cuarta' (a quarter coin). It is used across all social classes and age groups in informal contexts, often interchangeably with 'pera'. The word reflects the deep economic reality of daily Filipino life and appears frequently in expressions about earning, saving, and spending.
Examples
" Marami siyang kuwarta. "
Natural Translation
He has a lot of money.
Literal Translation
Much his money.
" Wala akong kuwarta ngayon, bayaran kita bukas. "
Natural Translation
I don't have money right now, I'll pay you tomorrow.
Literal Translation
None my money now, pay-you I tomorrow.
" Kahit gaano karami ang kuwarta mo, hindi mo mabibili ang oras na nasayang sa kawalan. "
Natural Translation
No matter how much money you have, you can't buy back the time wasted in vain.
Literal Translation
Even how much the money your, not you can-buy the time that wasted in nothingness.
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