lola
/ˈlola/
The English word grandmother is lola in Filipino. Wiktionary also lists impo and lelang.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| lola | /ˈlola/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈlula/ (regional) |
| impo | /ʔimˈpo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| lelang | /ˈlelaŋ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| abwela | /ʔabˈwela/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The term is used to refer to the mother of one's parent. Beyond biological relation, it is frequently used as a respectful title or honorific for elderly women in general.
Which one should you use?
The term lelang is a colloquial or affectionate version. impo is also a form used for grandmother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lola is the most common and standard term. abwela is considered informal, while lelang is a colloquial term used in certain families or regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
lelang is used in certain regions or within specific families as an affectionate term.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlola/
When do people say it?
Because it serves as a respectful honorific, you may use lola when addressing elderly women even if you do not have a biological connection to them.
Did you know?
- The term impo is rooted in a Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word that could refer to either a grandparent or a grandchild.
- The term impo is believed to potentially stem from the ancient Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *əmpu, which refers to an 'ancestor' or 'master'.
Examples in context
- Nag-iisa ang lola ko.My grandmother is alone.This sentence shows how to use lola to state that a grandmother is alone.Tatoeba #1355162 by nonong, translation #9771223 by ye3t
- May sakit ang lola ko.My grandmother is sick.This sentence shows how to use lola to state that a grandmother is sick.Tatoeba #1499836 by nonong, translation #1499835 by duke
- Ang nanay ko ang lola ko.My mother is my grandmother.This sentence uses lola to describe a biological relationship between a mother and a grandmother.Tatoeba #13651673 by kangkong, translation #12416625 by Orange
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Christina are talking about their weekend plans.
- JosePupunta ka ba sa bahay ng lola mo?Are you going to your grandmother's house?
- JasmineOo, bibisitahin ko ang lola ko mamaya.Yes, I will visit my grandmother later.
- JoseMasaya sigurong makasama ang lola mo.It must be fun to be with your grandmother.
- JasmineOo, ang lola ko ay napakabait.Yes, my grandmother is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandmother” translations and entries lola, impo, lelang, abwela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abwela, impo, lelang, lola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
