apo
/ʔaˈpo/
The Bisaya word for "grandchild" is apo.
apo is a noun used to refer to the child of one’s child.
Meaning: child of one’s child (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cebu, the term Apo is commonly used for both formal and informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔaˈpo/
Did you know?
- The word apo is conceptually reciprocal in its ancient roots, meaning it historically covered both the 'grandchild' and the 'grandparent'.
- In many Philippine languages, including Bisaya, the term apo can also refer to a high-ranking chief or a person of great authority in certain historical contexts.
- In many Bisaya households, the apo often grows up living in the same home as the grandparents, blurring the line between parental and grandparental roles.
Examples in context
- Kamusta na man, Apo?How are you, grandchild?
- Naa koy usa ka apo.I have one grandchild.
- Gwapa kaayo ang imong apo.Your grandchild is very beautiful.
- Gipangita sa iyang apo ang iyang lola.The grandchild is looking for his grandmother.
Example conversation
Jose and Elena are looking at a photo album.
- JoseKinsa kini nga bata, Elena?Who is this child, Elena?
- ElenaKini ang akong apo, Jose.This is my grandchild, Jose.
- JoseCute kaayo siya!He is very cute!
- ElenaSalamat kaayo, Jose.Thank you very much, Jose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandchild” translations and entries apo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
