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sangla

sánglà with stress marks

mortgage; pawn

noun verb SANG-la Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Sangla refers to pawning or mortgaging an item of value as collateral for a loan. It is a widespread practice in the Philippines, where pawnshops (palengkeng sanglaan) are common in even small towns. Families in financial difficulty often sangla jewelry or appliances to cover urgent expenses, making the word a marker of economic hardship and resourcefulness.

Examples

Beginner

" Isasangla namin ang singsing. "

Natural Translation

We will pawn the ring.

Literal Translation

Will-pawn we the ring.

Intermediate

" Nasa sangla ang kanilang bahay. "

Natural Translation

Their house is in mortgage.

Literal Translation

In mortgage the their house.

Advanced

" Napilitan silang isangla ang lupa upang may pambayad sa biglaang gastusin sa ospital. "

Natural Translation

They were forced to mortgage the land in order to have money for the sudden hospital expenses.

Literal Translation

Forced they to-mortgage the land in-order-to have payment for sudden expense in hospital.

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