bata
/ˈbataʔ/
The Tagalog word for child is bata.
bata refers to a person in the developmental stage of childhood. It is used when describing someone based on their age rather than their relationship to a specific person.
Meaning: son or daughter, someone's child (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between age and relationship in Tagalog. Use bata when you mean a child in terms of their young age. If you are specifically referring to someone's offspring or a person's son or daughter, use anak. While bata focuses on the developmental stage, anak focuses on the familial relationship to a parent.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using bata as a modifier for a following noun, it often takes the form batang due to the use of the linker -ng.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbataʔ/
Did you know?
- The word bata can also mean a 'dressing gown' or 'bathrobe' in Tagalog, having been borrowed from the Spanish word bata.
- In modern Filipino culture, bata is often used as slang to refer to a protégé or a person who is under the protection and patronage of a powerful figure.
- The term anak is used in a wide variety of emotional contexts, such as anak-pawis, which literally means 'child of sweat' to describe someone born into a working-class family.
Examples in context
- Hindi ka na bata.You are not a child any more.This sentence shows how to express that someone is no longer a child using bata.Tatoeba #5300921 by katalex, translation #16403 by CK
- Mahinang bata si Tom.Tom is a delicate child.This sentence uses bata to describe a delicate child.Tatoeba #11773500 by qwertzu, translation #8367282 by CK
- Hinahanap pa nila ang bata.They are still looking for the child.This sentence uses bata to refer to a child being searched for.Tatoeba #1811789 by nonong, translation #1334106 by bapouy
- Ang anak ko ay may regalong naghihintay sa kanya.My child has a gift waiting for him/her.
- May mga bata na naglalaro sa labas.There are children playing outside.
- Ang mga kids sa lugar na ito ay sobrang saya kasama.The kids in this area are really fun to be with.
- Tara, samahan natin ang mga bagets maglaro.Let's join the youngsters/teens in playing.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Mark are talking about a neighbor's child.
- AngelaNakita mo ba ang bata kanina?Did you see the child earlier?
- MarkOo, naglalaro siya sa labas.Yes, he was playing outside.
- AngelaNapakalikot talaga ng batang iyon.That child is really hyper.
- MarkGanyan talaga ang mga bata.Children are really like that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
