Language/Tagalog/Vocabulary/Family

Family, or pamilya in Tagalog, has a large and important role in an individual's life in Filipino culture. The Filipino family is known to be inseparable, inclusive and tightly-knit, with some families having four generations inside a household. Whether there are three or thirteen people under the same roof, everyone is loved and respected and it is not uncommon to see family members from everywhere in the world come home for Christmas or other special occasions. Such reunions can easily number more than twenty or thirty people, and announcements can occasionally be heard on the radio for upcoming gatherings.

Ina/Nanay	Mother
Ama/Tatay	Father
Anak	Child
Kapatid	Sibling
Kuya	Elder Brother
Ate	Elder Sister
Panganay	Firstborn
Bunso	Youngest Child
Lola	Grandmother
Lolo	Grandfather
Tiya	Aunt
Tiyo	Uncle
Sanggol	Baby
Magulang	Parent
Ninuno	Ancestor (literary)

Note: Most of the words above are generally used in an affectionate tone, even when using them to address strangers. Filipinos usually call people on the street, or most of the time, people behind the counter, Kuya, Ate, Lola, or Lolo as a sign of politeness and endearment. Nanay and Tatay are also the affectionate versions of Ina and Ama, respectively.

practice phrases

Si Meri ang aking Ina	Meri is my mother.
Tatay ko si Jun	My dad is Jun.
Ang kuya ko ay nasa ibang bansa	My brother is abroad (Lit. Brother mine is on other country).
Pumanaw na ang aking dalawang lolo	My two grandfathers are already dead.
Anak mo ba si Berto?	Is Berto your son?
Pupunta ba si Bunso sa ating pista?	Is the youngest child going to our fiesta?

Authors

Solqulial