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tiba

tibâ with stress marks

to cut down a banana tree; had a windfall (colloq)

verb adjective ti-BA Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tiba literally means to cut down or fell a banana plant after it has fruited, but colloquially it describes someone who has come into a large sum of money or good fortune unexpectedly — natiba siya suggests a windfall. The figurative sense is lively and widely used in casual Filipino conversation.

Examples

Beginner

" Natiba siya sa lotto. "

Natural Translation

He hit a windfall in the lottery.

Literal Translation

Had-windfall he in lotto.

Intermediate

" Nasaan ang kutsilyo para sa tiba ng puno? "

Natural Translation

Where is the knife for cutting down the tree?

Literal Translation

Where the knife for to-the cut-down of tree?

Advanced

" Akala ng iba ay natiba siya dahil sa bagong kotse, pero ang totoo ay matagal niyang inipon ang perang ito. "

Natural Translation

Others thought he had a windfall because of the new car, but the truth is he saved that money for a long time.

Literal Translation

Thought of others had-windfall he because of new car, but the truth saved long-time he the money this.

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