Learn Greek › B2 › τζάμπα
τζάμπα
for free /ˈdza.ba/
adverbB2#2661 most common
Also: for nothing, in vain, gratis
Example sentences
Το εισιτήριο είναι τζάμπα.
The ticket is free.
Πήραμε τζάμπα καφέ στο εστιατόριο.
We got free coffee at the restaurant.
Δουλέψαμε όλη μέρα τζάμπα, δεν μας πλήρωσαν.
We worked all day for nothing, they didn't pay us.
Μην περιμένεις τίποτα τζάμπα σε αυτή τη ζωή.
Don't expect anything for free in this life.
Τα φάρμακα δίνονται τζάμπα στους ανασφάλιστους.
The medicines are given free to the uninsured.
Πήγε τζάμπα όλος ο κόπος μας, το σχέδιο ακυρώθηκε την τελευταία στιγμή.
All our effort went to waste, the plan was cancelled at the last minute.
Word family
τζαμπατζήςa man who always wants things for free
τζαμπατζούa woman who always wants things for free
τζαμπαμάγκαςa braggart who talks big but offers nothing real
Etymology
Τζάμπα entered Greek from Turkish, most likely from caba or the related adverb cabadan, meaning extra or given without charge. Centuries of Ottoman-era trade and daily contact left many such words in spoken Greek. The term stayed informal and never entered formal or literary registers. It covers two linked ideas: something received without payment, and effort spent that leads to nothing.
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