kuya
/ˈkuja/
In Filipino, big brother is kuya.
kuya is a term used to refer to an older brother or an older male relative. It is widely used as an informal term of endearment for an older or elder brother figure.
Which one should you use?
While kuya refers to an older brother, the equivalent term used for an older sister is ate.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using kuya as a proper noun to refer to a specific person, the marker si must precede it, such as in si kuya. To make the term plural, place the plural marker mga before the word to get mga kuya.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuja/
When do people say it?
In Filipino culture, it is common to address older siblings or older peers by this title instead of using their actual names to show respect.
Did you know?
- The word kuya is actually a linguistic relative of the Hokkien Chinese term ko-iá, reflecting historical Chinese influence on the language.
- Using kuya can be a strategic way to ask for a favor or a discount from a vendor by appealing to a familial bond.
- Addressing an older male by his first name without a title like kuya can be perceived as rude or overly aggressive in Filipino culture.
Examples in context
- Tumutulong si kuya sa aming mga magulang sa mga gawaing bahay.Our big brother helps our parents do housework.This sentence is useful for seeing how kuya is used as a subject in a sentence.
- Kuya, tara laro tayo!Big brother, let's play!
- Nasaan ang kuya mo?Where is your big brother?
- Mabait na kuya si Mark.Mark is a kind big brother.
Example conversation
Patricia is asking Jose for help with her homework.
- JasmineKuya, pwede mo ba ako tulungan?Big brother, can you help me?
- MarkOo, ano ang kailangan mo, Patricia?Yes, what do you need, Patricia?
- JasmineMahirap po itong assignment ko sa Math.My Math assignment is difficult.
- MarkSige, ipakita mo sa akin.Okay, show it to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kuya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kuya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
