lola
/ˈlola/
The Filipino word for grandma is lola.
lola is the standard informal way to address or refer to a grandmother.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ilocano language, the word for grandma is Apong.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a grandmother directly, it is common to use the respect marker po in a sentence, such as in Lola po or Opo, Lola.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlola/
Did you know?
- The word lola may be a shortened version of the Spanish word abuela, showing how Spanish colonial history shaped even the most intimate Filipino family terms.
- The term lola is part of a wider system of honorifics in the Philippines, where words like manang or ninang serve as respectful titles for older women who are not necessarily blood relatives.
Examples in context
- Lola ko po siya.She's my grandma.This sentence is useful for identifying a grandmother using lola.Tatoeba #11680591 by qwertzu, translation #6008218 by CannedBread
- Wala na si lola.Grandma passed away.This sentence is useful for stating that a grandmother has passed away using lola.Tatoeba #11727355 by qwertzu, translation #7337691 by Hybrid
- Lola, kain po tayo!Let's eat, grandma!This sentence is useful for inviting a grandmother to eat using lola.Tatoeba #11962877 by qwertzu, translation #5128484 by Karok
- Magandang umaga, Lola!Good morning, Grandma!
- Lola, maraming salamat sa iyong mga payo.Grandma, thank you for your advice.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jose and Patricia are visiting a relative's house.
- ChristinaNasaan si lola?Where is grandma?
- RicardoNasa kusina si lola.Grandma is in the kitchen.
- ChristinaSalamat, Patricia.Thanks, Patricia.
- RicardoWalang anuman, Jose.You're welcome, Jose.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
