amo
/ˈʔamo/
The Filipino word for boss is amo.
amo refers to a person in charge. While it is a valid term for a superior, in modern corporate environments, Filipinos often prefer using English loanwords like 'boss' or 'manager' instead.
Meaning: person in charge (noun)
Which one should you use?
In contemporary office settings, the English words 'boss' or 'manager' are more common than amo, as the latter can carry a connotation of being archaic or implying a highly subservient relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form 'bosses', add the plural marker mga before the word to get mga amo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔamo/
Did you know?
- While amo means 'boss' in Tagalog, in other Philippine languages like Hiligaynon and Tausug, amo means 'monkey'.
- The word amo also appears in Filipino as a verb meaning 'to tame' or 'to domesticate' an animal.
- Filipinos often avoid amo in professional settings to maintain 'pakikisama', a cultural value of harmony and equality within a group.
Examples in context
- Si Tom ang amo rito.Tom is the boss around here.This sentence shows how to identify someone as the boss using amo.Tatoeba #11273391 by qwertzu, translation #3434459 by CK
- Sinisiraan ka ng amo mo.Your boss is damaging your reputation.This sentence illustrates a situation involving an amo.Tatoeba #13891901 by qwertzu, translation #10864545 by Amastan
- Wala akong lakas ng loob para kausapin ang amo ko at hiramin ang kotse niya.I don't have the courage to ask my boss to lend me his car.This sentence demonstrates how to refer to one's amo when discussing a difficult request.Tatoeba #11501344 by qwertzu, translation #249927 by CK
- Boss, mayroon po akong ideyang makakatulong sa pagpapabuti ng produksyon.Boss, I have an idea that can help improve production.
- Bossing, pasensya na sa abala. Mayroon lang po akong kailangang itanong tungkol sa proyekto.Bossing, sorry for the inconvenience. I just need to ask something about the project.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jose and Angela are talking about their employer at the office.
- JuanNasaan na ang amo natin ngayon?Where is our boss now?
- ChristinaNasa meeting pa si amo sa taas.The boss is still in a meeting upstairs.
- JuanKailangan ko siyang tanungin tungkol sa sahod.I need to ask him about the salary.
- ChristinaHintayin mo na lang na bumaba siya.Just wait for him to come down.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
