rata

instalment, payment

noun RAH-tah Less Common

Origin: Medieval Latin rata (pars), from ratus (calculated, fixed)

Usage Note

Rata refers to a regular, fixed payment in an instalment plan: pagare a rate = to pay in instalments. The plural rate is the common form. The phrase a rate (in instalments) is very frequent in consumer finance contexts. Note the feminine gender: la rata mensile = the monthly instalment.

Examples

"Pago la macchina a rate."

Natural Translation

I pay for the car in instalments.

Literal Translation

I-pay the car in instalments.

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