nakababatang kapatid na babae
The Tagalog phrase for "little sister" is nakababatang kapatid na babae.
This phrase is used to identify a female sibling who is younger than the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nakababatang (younger), kapatid (sibling) and na babae (female/woman).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, if the little sister is the youngest in the family, she is often referred to as the bunso.
Did you know?
- The word kapatid is derived from patid, which means 'to sever' or 'to cut'. It literally refers to someone who shared the same umbilical cord.
- In some traditional families, the bunso is given more leeway and indulgence by parents compared to the eldest siblings, who face stricter discipline.
- The term bunso describes the youngest child regardless of gender, meaning a little brother is also a bunso.
Examples in context
- Siya ang aking nakababatang kapatid na babae.She is my little sister.
- Mayroon akong isang nakababatang kapatid na babae.I have one little sister.
Example conversation
Maria and Ricardo are talking about their families.
- MariaIlan ang nakababatang kapatid na babae mo?How many little sisters do you have?
- RicardoIsa lang ang nakababatang kapatid na babae ko.I only have one little sister.
- MariaIlang taon na siya?How old is she?
- RicardoSampung taon na siya ngayon.She is ten years old now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babae, kapatid, na, CC BY-SA 4.0.
