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utang

utàng with stress marks

debt; indebtedness

noun verb U-tang Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Utang is one of the most culturally loaded words in Filipino. Beyond monetary debt, it underpins the concept of 'utang na loob' — a profound sense of moral indebtedness or gratitude toward someone who helped you, which can create lifelong social obligations.

Examples

Beginner

" Marami akong utang. "

Natural Translation

I have a lot of debt.

Literal Translation

Many I-of debt.

Intermediate

" Malaki ang utang niya sa bangko. "

Natural Translation

Their debt to the bank is big.

Literal Translation

Big the debt of them to bank.

Advanced

" Bago siya bumili ng bagong telepono, gusto muna niyang bayaran ang lahat ng utang sa kanyang mga kaibigan. "

Natural Translation

Before he buys a new phone, he wants to pay off all his debts to his friends first.

Literal Translation

Before he buy of new phone, want first he-that pay the all of debt to his friends.

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