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masa

masâ with stress marks

the masses; dough

noun ma-SA Spanish origin Common

Also means

Masa also refers to dough or paste used in cooking, such as the dough for kakanin (rice cakes).

Usage Note

Masa is borrowed from Spanish and carries two common meanings: in its political sense, ang masa refers to the common people or working class, frequently invoked in populist rhetoric; in culinary contexts, it refers to dough or batter. Context usually disambiguates the two uses clearly.

Examples

Beginner

" Para sa masa ang programa. "

Natural Translation

The program is for the masses.

Literal Translation

For to masses the program.

Intermediate

" Kailangan ng mahabang oras para sa masa ng tinapay. "

Natural Translation

A long time is needed for the dough of the bread.

Literal Translation

Need of long [ng] time for to-the dough of-the bread.

Advanced

" Bago ihurno ang tinapay, dapat munang hayaang umalsa ang masa nang halos isang oras. "

Natural Translation

Before baking the bread, you should first let the dough rise for almost an hour.

Literal Translation

Before bake the bread, should first-that let rise the dough for almost one hour.

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