kumusta ate
/kumusˈta ʔaˈteʔ/word by word
The English phrase "hi sister" is translated into Filipino as kumusta ate.
kumusta ate is a casual greeting used to address an older sister or an older female relative or friend. In Filipino culture, the term ate is used to address an elder sister or any woman older than you. This greeting is used not just for biological older sisters, but also for older female cousins, female friends or any woman slightly older than the speaker as a sign of respect and familiarity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ate literally means "older sister".
How do you pronounce it?
/kumusˈta ʔaˈteʔ/
Did you know?
- The term ate reveals the heavy influence of Chinese traders in the Philippines, as it is borrowed from the Hokkien word for 'older sister'.
- The term ate is so ingrained in social hierarchy that using it for someone significantly younger can be a playful or sarcastic gesture.
- Using ate for a female boss or superior in a workplace creates a blend of professional respect and familial closeness.
Examples in context
- Kumusta ate, ang ganda mo ngayon.Hi sister, you look beautiful today.
- Kumusta ate, nasaan ka na?Hi sister, where are you now?
- Kumusta ate, nakauwi ka na ba?Hi sister, are you home already?
Example conversation
Ricardo greets his older sister in the living room.
- ChristinaKumusta ate, galing ka na ba sa trabaho?Hi sister, are you back from work already?
- RicardoOo Ricardo, kararating ko lang ngayon.Yes Ricardo, I just arrived now.
- ChristinaGusto mo ba ng tubig o kape?Do you want some water or coffee?
- RicardoKape na lang, salamat!Just coffee, thanks!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kumusta, ate) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ate, kumusta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
