Talking About Family
Family vocabulary and questions
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Pamilya
Family
Tatay/Ama
Father
Note: Either 'Tatay' or 'Ama' can be used to refer to 'Father'.
Nanay/Ina
Father, Mother
Note: Either 'Nanay' or 'Ina' can be used to refer to 'Father'.
Kapatid
Sibling
Lolo, Lola
Grandfather, Grandmother
Tito, Tita
Uncle, Aunt
Pinsan
Cousin
Ilang kapatid meron ka?
How many siblings do you have?
Ano ang trabaho ng nanay at tatay mo?
What is your mother and father's job?
Grammar Note
Family terms in Tagalog often distinguish between older and younger siblings. 'Kuya' refers to an older brother, while 'Ate' refers to an older sister. These terms are also used as a sign of respect for non-family members who are slightly older than the speaker.