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tsimay

tsimáy with stress marks

female servant (informal/slang)

noun tsi-MAY Colloquial origin Rare

Usage Note

Tsimay is colloquial and somewhat dated slang for a female household helper. The term can carry a dismissive connotation — the more respectful word is kasambahay — and is most common among older generations or in humorous contexts. The masculine counterpart is tsimoy.

Examples

Beginner

" Tinawag niya ang tsimay. "

Natural Translation

She called the helper.

Literal Translation

Called she the helper.

Intermediate

" Tinawag niya ang kanilang tsimay. "

Natural Translation

He/She called their female servant.

Literal Translation

Called he/she the their female servant.

Advanced

" Sa halip na tawaging tsimay, mas magalang na tawagin ang isang katulong na kasambahay. "

Natural Translation

Instead of calling her a maid, it is more respectful to call a household helper a kasambahay.

Literal Translation

In place of call helper, more respectful to call the one helper as kasambahay.

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