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tsamba

tsámba with stress marks

fluke; lucky chance

noun verb TSAM-ba Colloquial origin Less Common

Usage Note

Tsamba describes an outcome achieved by luck rather than skill. It is used both as a noun ('it was a fluke') and a verb ('natsamba ko' — I got lucky). The word is informal and common in everyday conversation, often said with self-deprecating humor.

Examples

Beginner

" Tsamba lang ito. "

Natural Translation

This was just a fluke.

Literal Translation

Fluke only this.

Intermediate

" Tsamba lang ang kanyang pagkapanalo. "

Natural Translation

His/Her winning was just a lucky chance.

Literal Translation

Lucky chance only the his/her winning.

Advanced

" Tsamba lang na nahulaan ko ang sagot, kaya huwag ninyong isipin na magaling ako sa matematika. "

Natural Translation

It was just a fluke that I guessed the answer, so don't think I'm good at math.

Literal Translation

Fluke only that guessed I the answer, so don't you think that good I at math.

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