lolo
/ˈlolo/
The Tagalog word for grandfather is lolo. Wiktionary also lists ingkong and lelong.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| lolo | /ˈlolo/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈlulo/ (regional) |
| ingkong | /ʔiŋˈkoŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| lelong | /ˈleloŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| abwelo | /ʔabˈwelo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
All provided forms refer to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean grandfather, lolo is the standard term, ingkong is used for affection or tradition, lelong and abwelo are also forms used for grandfather.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lolo is the most common and standard way to say grandfather. ingkong is an informal or affectionate term, often carrying a more traditional feel.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my grandfather', add the possessive pronoun ko after the word lolo to get lolo ko. When your grandfather is the subject of a sentence, use the marker ang before the phrase, resulting in ang lolo ko.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlolo/
Did you know?
- In Filipino culture, it is common to use lolo as a sign of respect for any elderly man, even if he is not a biological relative.
- The term ingkong is a linguistic bridge to the Philippines' Chinese-Filipino heritage, having been borrowed from the Hokkien language.
Examples in context
- Bayani ang lolo ko.My grandfather was a hero.This sentence shows how to use lolo to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #11291235 by qwertzu, translation #3831267 by CK
- Arkeologo ang lolo ko.My grandfather was an archaeologist.This sentence shows how to use lolo to describe a person's profession.Tatoeba #11640916 by qwertzu, translation #3832022 by CK
- Galing Osaka ang lolo ko.My grandfather comes from Osaka.This sentence shows how to use lolo to indicate a person's place of origin.Tatoeba #1945028 by nonong, translation #273881 by CN
- Lolo, paano po magtahi?Grandfather, how do you sew?
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Ricardo are looking at old family photos.
- JasmineSino ang lolo mo sa litratong ito?Who is your grandfather in this photo?
- RicardoSiya ang lolo ko mula sa panig ng tatay ko.He is my grandfather from my father's side.
- JasmineMabait ba ang lolo mo?Is your grandfather kind?
- RicardoOo, napakabait ng lolo ko.Yes, my grandfather is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries lolo, ingkong, lelong, abwelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abwelo, ingkong, lelong, lolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
