tingi
tíngì with stress marks
retail; to sell in small quantities
Usage Note
Tingi is the practice of selling goods in very small quantities — single cigarettes, a sachet of shampoo, a few spoons of sugar — which is central to Philippine retail culture. The sari-sari store (small neighborhood convenience store) is built around the tingi system, making everyday goods accessible to those who cannot afford bulk purchases. The practice reflects economic realities and a culture of shared resourcefulness.
Examples
" Tingi lang ang bili ko. "
Natural Translation
I only buy in small quantities.
Literal Translation
Retail only the buy my.
" Bumili ako ng tingi na asukal. "
Natural Translation
I bought retail sugar.
Literal Translation
Bought I of retail sugar.
" Sa tindahan nila, tingi ang benta ng asukal at kape para abot-kaya ng mga mahihirap na pamilya. "
Natural Translation
At their store, sugar and coffee are sold in small quantities so they're affordable for poor families.
Literal Translation
At store their, retail the sale of sugar and coffee for affordable of the poor families.
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