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jaima

Berber tent

noun HAY-mah Rare

Origin: From Hassaniya Arabic khayma (tent).

Usage Note

Jaima refers specifically to the large rectangular tents used by Sahrawi and Mauritanian Berber peoples of the western Sahara, serving as both home and social gathering space. In Spanish journalism and humanitarian contexts it appears frequently when reporting on Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. The word is used in Spain more than Latin America due to proximity to North African culture.

Examples

"Descansamos dentro de la jaima durante la tormenta de arena."

Natural Translation

We rested inside the tent during the sandstorm.

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