Usage Note
Usura comes from Spanish 'usura' and refers to the practice of lending money at excessively high interest rates. Predatory lending is a recognized social problem in the Philippines, giving this word a morally charged tone in legal, religious, and community discourse.
Examples
" Masama ang usura. "
Natural Translation
Usury is wrong.
Literal Translation
Bad the usury.
" Ipinagbabawal ng batas ang usura ngunit marami pa ring nagsasagawa nito. "
Natural Translation
The law prohibits usury but many still practice it.
Literal Translation
Prohibited-by-law the usury but many still practicing it.
" Maraming maliliit na negosyante ang nalulugmok sa utang dahil sa usura ng mga lima-anim na nagpapautang sa palengke. "
Natural Translation
Many small vendors sink into debt because of the usury of the loan sharks at the market.
Literal Translation
Many small businesspeople the sink in debt because of usury of the five-six lenders at market.
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