Usage Note
Mersenaryo describes a soldier hired to fight for a foreign power, or figuratively someone who acts purely for money. It often carries a negative connotation in both military and political discussions in the Philippines.
Examples
" Mersenaryo ang lalaki. "
Natural Translation
The man is a mercenary.
Literal Translation
Mercenary the man.
" Binayaran nila ang isang mersenaryo upang protektahan ang kanilang lupain. "
Natural Translation
They paid a mercenary to protect their land.
Literal Translation
Paid they the one mercenary in-order to-protect the their land.
" Hindi mapagkakatiwalaan ang isang mersenaryo dahil maaari siyang lumipat sa kalaban kapag mas malaki ang ibinabayad. "
Natural Translation
A mercenary cannot be trusted because he might switch to the enemy when offered more pay.
Literal Translation
Not can-be-trusted the one mercenary because might he to-switch to enemy when more big the being-paid.
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