tatat
The Chamorro word for dad is tatat.
tatat is an informal noun used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guam, some Chamorros may use Tåta or Tatå to refer to their dads.
Did you know?
- The sounds in tatat are similar to those found in other Austronesian languages, linking the word for 'dad' to distant linguistic relatives in Southeast Asia.
- Because of the influence of Spanish colonization, many Chamorro families use a mixture of Spanish and Chamorro kinship terms when referring to fathers.
- In many Chamorro-speaking households, the word for 'dad' is used as a title of respect rather than just a name.
Example conversation
Luis is asking Elena about her father's whereabouts.
- LuisElena, na'ya si tatat-mu?Elena, where is your dad?
- ElenaSi tatat hula yan i nina.Dad and mom are coming.
- LuisHågao i tatat hula?Where is dad coming from?
- ElenaHula si tatat yan i nina haguå.Dad and mom are coming from the store.
