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tira

tirâ with stress marks

to strike; leftover; to live/reside

noun verb ti-RA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tira is one of the most versatile Tagalog root words, carrying three distinct meanings depending on context: to strike or shoot at something (umtira), a remainder or leftover (tira-tira), and to live or reside somewhere (tumira). All three senses are widely used in daily speech. Care is needed in context to avoid confusion, especially when discussing food leftovers versus physical strikes.

Examples

Beginner

" May tira pang kanin. "

Natural Translation

There's still leftover rice.

Literal Translation

Has leftover still rice.

Intermediate

" May tira pang pagkain sa mesa. "

Natural Translation

There is still leftover food on the table.

Literal Translation

Has leftover still food on table.

Advanced

" Huwag mong itapon ang tira kahapon dahil baka may magutom mamayang gabi. "

Natural Translation

Don't throw away yesterday's leftovers because someone might get hungry later tonight.

Literal Translation

Don't you throw the leftover yesterday because maybe has get-hungry later night.

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