inaanak na babae
/ʔiˌnaʔaˈnak na baˈbaʔe/word by word
The Tagalog word for goddaughter is inaanak na babae.
inaanak na babae refers to a female child whose baptism is sponsored by a godparent.
Meaning: female child whose baptism is sponsored by a godparent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of inaanak, meaning a child under the care of a godparent and babae, meaning female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word inaanak is gender-neutral and can be used alone to mean 'godchild' regardless of sex.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔiˌnaʔaˈnak na baˈbaʔe/
Did you know?
- The term inaanak is used not only for baptismal godchildren but also for those sponsored during weddings, who are considered spiritual children of the sponsors.
- In Filipino culture, godparents are called ninong for men and ninang for women, roles that often carry lifelong social and financial responsibilities for the inaanak.
- In some traditional contexts, the role of the sponsor is seen as a way to forge a strategic social alliance between two families, rather than just a religious act.
Examples in context
- Ang inaanak na babae niya ay lumalaki na.His goddaughter is growing up now.
- Siya ang tanging inaanak na babae ni Maria.She is Maria's only goddaughter.
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are talking about their families.
- JuanMay inaanak na babae ka ba, Maria?Do you have a goddaughter, Maria?
- MariaOo, isa siyang cute na bata.Yes, she is a cute child.
- JuanSaan siya nakatira ngayon?Where does she live now?
- MariaNasa probinsya ang inaanak na babae ko.My goddaughter is in the province.
