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dampa

dámpa with stress marks

hovel; small house

noun DAM-pa Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Dampa is a small, makeshift dwelling — typically made from bamboo, nipa palm, or salvaged materials. It carries connotations of poverty and simplicity but is not always pejorative; in folk songs and literature it is romanticized as humble contentment. Also used in the name of seafood market-restaurants in the Philippines.

Examples

Beginner

" Nakatira sila sa maliit na dampa. "

Natural Translation

They live in a small hut.

Literal Translation

Living they in small that hut.

Intermediate

" May dampa sa tabi ng dagat. "

Natural Translation

There is a small house by the sea.

Literal Translation

There-is hovel in side of sea.

Advanced

" Kahit maliit lang ang kanilang dampa sa tabi ng ilog, masaya at panatag pa rin ang buhay ng buong pamilya doon. "

Natural Translation

Even though their hut by the river is just small, the whole family's life there is still happy and content.

Literal Translation

Even small only the their hut at side of river, happy and content still the life of whole family there.

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