nanay
The English phrase "mama" can be translated into Tagalog as nanay.
An informal word used by a child to address or refer to their mother.
Which one should you use?
While mama is used in Tagalog, nanay is the more standard and traditional Tagalog term for mother. The shortened, colloquial form Nay is often used specifically when calling out to one's mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ina is a formal term used to refer to one's mother. Nay and Inay are informal. Inay is a more affectionate or poetic variation often used in literature or intimate family settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my mother", you add the possessive pronoun ko after nanay.
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, Nanay is often used as a respectful title for any elderly woman, even if she is not the speaker's mother.
- Because of the Spanish influence on Philippine languages, the word nanay is a linguistic cousin to the Spanish word nana, which can refer to a nanny or nursemaid.
- The masculine counterpart to nanay is tatay, which follows the same phonetic pattern of ending in -ay.
Examples in context
- Mahal kita, Ina.I love you, Mother.
- Salamat, Nanay.Thank you, Mom.
- Kumain na tayo, Nay!Let's eat, Mom!
- Inay, kamusta ka na?Mother, how are you?
- Mama, punta tayo sa palengke.Mom, let's go to the market.
- Nasaan si Nanay?Where is Nanay?
- Tinatawag ka ni Nanay.Nanay is calling you.
- Mahal ko ang aking Nanay.I love my Nanay.
Example conversation
Juan is looking for his mother in the house.
- JuanMaria, nakita mo ba si nanay?Maria, have you seen mom?
- MariaWala siya rito, Juan.She is not here, Juan.
- JuanSaan kaya pumunta si nanay?I wonder where mom went?
- MariaBaka nasa palengke siya.Maybe she is at the market.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nanay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
