ninong
/ˈninoŋ/
The Filipino word for godfather is ninong. Wiktionary also lists inaama and padrino.
Meaning: man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Filipino | IPA |
|---|---|
| ninong | /ˈninoŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| inaama | /ʔiˌnaʔaˈma/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| padrino | /paˈdɾino/ (Standard Tagalog) |
A godfather is a man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner.
Which one should you use?
While ninong is the common term, inaama is a more formal or traditional term for godfather. Additionally, padrino can also refer to a patron or someone who uses their influence to provide favors, often in a political or social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine counterpart to ninong is ninang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈninoŋ/
When do people say it?
In Filipino culture, godparents (ninong and ninang) are often expected to provide guidance and support to their godchildren throughout their lives. Adding po at the end of sentences is a polite way to address a godfather or any elder in Filipino culture.
Did you know?
- While ninong is a religious title, it is often used playfully in the Philippines to refer to any older man who is expected to give money or gifts during Christmas.
- The term ninong is actually a hybrid word, combining a clipped version of the Spanish 'padrino' with the Filipino suffix -ng.
- Because of the 'padrino system', using the word padrino in a professional setting can imply that someone was hired through nepotism rather than merit.
Examples in context
- Ang ninong ko ang nagbigay sa akin ng pulang damit na iyon.My godfather gave me that red shirt.This sentence shows how to use ninong when describing a gift received from a godfather.Tatoeba #2761951 by mervert1, translation #2761953 by mervert1
- Magandang araw po, Ninong!Good day, Godfather!
- Ninong, puwede ko bang humingi ng payoGodfather, may I ask for advice
- Siya ang ninong ng aking anak.He is the godfather of my child.
- Napakabait na ninong ni Mang Pedro.Mang Pedro is a very kind godfather.
Example conversation
Maria and Jose are planning a christening party.
- MariaJose, gusto kitang maging ninong ng anak ko.Jose, I want you to be my child's godfather.
- JoseSalamat, Maria! Isang malaking karangalan ito.Thank you, Maria! This is a great honor.
- MariaSana ay magabayan mo ang bata.I hope you can guide the child.
- JoseGagawin ko ang lahat bilang ninong.I will do everything as a godfather.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries ninong, inaama, padrino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inaama, ninong, padrino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
