nanay
The Filipino word for mom is nanay.
nanay is an informal word used to refer to a female parent. Its counterpart for a father is tatay.
Which one should you use?
While nanay is the default term, other forms exist based on nuance and region. Inay is an endearing or affectionate way to say mom, whereas Mama is a common informal term. Nanang is a colloquial variation. The formal way to say mother is Ina.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ina is a formal and respectful way to address your mother. In contrast, nanay, Inay, Mama and Nanang are all informal or affectionate ways to refer to a mother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my mom', you place the possessive pronoun ko after the word, resulting in nanay ko.
Did you know?
- In the Philippines, people often use nanay to address any older woman, even if they are not related, as a sign of respect and affection.
- Filipinos may use the term Mama alongside nanay, reflecting the heavy influence of Spanish colonial history on family titles.
- The relationship between nanay and tatay is not just linguistic but cultural, as they form a rhythmic pair often used together in poetry and folk songs.
Examples in context
- Ako ang nanay ni Tom.I'm Tom's mom.This sentence shows how to identify oneself as the mother of someone using nanay.Tatoeba #5361320 by kanlaon, translation #2235792 by CK
- Mahal ko ang nanay ko.I love my mom.This sentence demonstrates how to express love for one's mother using nanay.Tatoeba #11606579 by qwertzu, translation #2011109 by Shishir
- Gumagawa ng keyk ang nanay ko.My mom is making a cake.This sentence shows a mother performing an action using nanay.Tatoeba #11817036 by qwertzu, translation #11817026 by ddnktr
- Kumusta po, Ina?How are you, mom?
- Salamat po, Nanay.Thank you, mom.
- Kain na, Nanang!Let's eat, mom!
- Inay, salamat po sa lahat.Mom, thank you for everything.
- Mama, miss na kita.Mom, I miss you.
- Nay, mahal na mahal kita.Mom, I love you very much.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juan and Maria are talking about their parents at home.
- JuanNasaan ang nanay mo, Maria?Where is your mom, Maria?
- MariaNasa palengke ang nanay ko.My mom is at the market.
- JuanSama ako sa nanay mo.I will go with your mom.
- MariaSige, sasabihin ko sa nanay ko.Okay, I will tell my mom.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
