Knowing how to say “great grandma” in Filipino is important if you want to connect with your Filipino heritage or communicate with Filipino relatives. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to address your great grandma in Filipino, while also providing regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way:
When speaking formally, Filipinos typically use respectful terms to address their elders, including great grandparents. In Filipino, the term for great grandma is “Dakilang Lola”. “Dakilang” signifies greatness or being majestic, and “Lola” means grandma. Therefore, “Dakilang Lola” is a formal way to address your great grandma in Filipino.
Example:
“Magandang umaga po, Dakilang Lola! Kumusta po kayo?”
(Good morning, great grandma! How are you?)
Informal Way:
On the other hand, in informal situations or within close family circles, Filipinos often use terms that are more endearing and affectionate. In this context, the term for great grandma is “Lolabelle” or “Lolabells”. These informal terms add a touch of warmth and familiarity while addressing your great grandma.
Example:
“Kumusta ka na, Lolabelle/Lolabells? Miss na kita!”
(How are you, great grandma? I miss you!)
Regional Variations:
The Filipino language is rich in regional variations. While the term “Dakilang Lola” and the informal terms mentioned earlier are understood and widely used across the country, there are some regional variations worth mentioning.
In Cebuano, spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, the term for great grandma is “Bisayang Lolabelle” or “Bisayang Lola”. “Bisayang” refers to the nationality or ethnicity, which adds a regional flavor to the term.
Example:
“Maayong buntag, Bisayang Lola! Kamusta ninyo diha?”
(Good morning, great grandma! How are you there?)
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to consider when addressing your great grandma in Filipino:
- Always show respect to your great grandma, whether using formal or informal terms.
- Consider the context and the relationship you have with your great grandma when choosing between formal and informal terms.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your family members or Filipino friends for specific terms or variations used within your family.
- Practice the pronunciation to ensure you’re saying the terms correctly. Filipinos are friendly and understanding, so they will appreciate your effort to learn.
To summarize, addressing your great grandma in Filipino can be done formally using “Dakilang Lola” or informally with “Lolabelle/Lolabells”. Regional variations like “Bisayang Lola” are also used in specific areas. Remember to show respect and consider the context of your relationship. Happy bonding with your great grandma, or should we say, Dakilang Lola or Lolabelle!
