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libra

líbra with stress marks

pound (unit of weight)

noun LIB-ra Spanish origin Less Common

Usage Note

Libra is a Spanish loanword for a traditional unit of weight still used in Filipino markets, particularly for buying meat, fish, and produce — one libra is approximately 500 grams. Vendors and buyers in wet markets commonly use this unit alongside the metric kilo.

Examples

Beginner

" Bumili ako ng isang libra. "

Natural Translation

I bought one pound.

Literal Translation

Bought I of one pound.

Intermediate

" Isang libra ng karne. "

Natural Translation

One pound of meat.

Literal Translation

One pound of meat.

Advanced

" Tumaas na naman ang presyo ng baboy, kaya kalahating libra na lang ang binili ko sa palengke. "

Natural Translation

The price of pork went up again, so I just bought half a pound at the market.

Literal Translation

Went-up again the price of pork, so half pound only the bought I at market.

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