lolo
/ˈlolo/
lolo is the Tagalog word for grandpa.
lolo is a noun used to refer to a grandfather. It is often used as a respectful title or a way to address an elderly man directly.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
The masculine term lolo is contrasted with the feminine counterpart lola, which means grandma.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using lolo as a title or address is a common way to show respect to an elderly man. To increase the level of respect in formal settings, you can add the particle po after the term.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many Filipino households, it is common to address a grandfather as Lolo followed by his given name.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlolo/
Did you know?
- The word lolo likely evolved from the Spanish word for grandfather, abuelo, through a process of shortening and repeating the final syllable.
- In some contexts, calling a man lolo can be a gentle way to tease someone about their age or perceived old-fashioned behavior.
- Filipinos often use lolo and lola to address elderly strangers as a sign of respect, even if there is no family relation.
Examples in context
- Limang beses nag-asawa ang lolo ko, pero limang beses din siyang hiniwalayan.My grandpa got married five times, but he also got divorced five times.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of lolo when talking about one's own grandfather.Tatoeba #11610939 by qwertzu, translation #12049433 by humding3r
- Magandang umaga, Lolo!Good morning, Grandpa!
- Lolo, salamat po sa regalo!Grandpa, thank you for the gift!
- Nasaan ang lolo mo?Where is your grandpa?
- Mahal na mahal ko ang lolo ko.I love my grandpa very much.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in their living room.
- RicardoNasaan ang lolo natin?Where is our grandpa?
- ChristinaNasa kusina ang lolo.Grandpa is in the kitchen.
- RicardoKumain na ba siya?Has he eaten already?
- ChristinaHindi pa, Ricardo.Not yet, Ricardo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
