tatay
/ˈtataj/
The Tagalog word for dad is tatay.
tatay is used as an informal noun to refer to a father in everyday conversation.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
tatay is the common, informal way to say 'dad' in everyday conversation. Other forms include Papa, which is also used to address or refer to one's dad informally and the English term Daddy, which is also commonly used in Tagalog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in the Ilocano-speaking provinces of the northern Philippines, Itay is used to refer to one's dad informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtataj/
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe tatay may have been influenced by the Hokkien phrase tōa-tāi, meaning 'elder generation'.
- The term tatay belongs to a family of related kinship words including nanay for mother and tatang for an older father figure.
Examples in context
- Nag-aaway uli sina nanay at tatay.Mom and Dad are fighting again.This sentence shows the use of tatay when talking about parents fighting.Tatoeba #11807449 by qwertzu, translation #6634565 by Hybrid
- Tinuturuan ako magluto ng aking tatay.My dad is teaching me how to cook.This sentence demonstrates tatay as the subject performing an action.Tatoeba #4490031 by mayaman, translation #4487411 by CM
- Mas matanda si Nanay kaysa kay Tatay.Mom is older than Dad.This sentence uses tatay in a comparison between parents.Tatoeba #3251908 by mervert1, translation #482368 by adjusting
- Tatay, pwede po bang umutang ng kaunting pera?Dad, can I borrow some money?
- Ama, maraming salamat sa inyong suporta.Father, thank you for your support.
- Papa, salamat sa mga payo mo.Dad, thank you for your advice.
- Daddy, gusto kong magpasalamat sa'yo sa pag-aalaga.Dad, I want to thank you for taking care of me.
- Itay, pumunta tayo sa palengke bukas.Dad, let's go to the market tomorrow.
- Erpat, libre mo naman ako ng ice cream.Dad, treat me to some ice cream.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Mark are talking about their father at home.
- MariaNasaan si Tatay?Where is Dad?
- MarkNasa kusina ang tatay mo.Your dad is in the kitchen.
- MariaSalamat, Mark.Thanks, Mark.
- MarkWalang anuman, Maria.You're welcome, Maria.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tatay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tatay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
