biyenan
The Tagalog phrase for mother-in-law is biyenan.
biyenan is used to refer to a spouse's mother or father. While it describes the relationship, it is often more common in social settings to address a mother-in-law using respectful titles such as Nanay (mother) or Mama instead of using biyenan directly.
Meaning: spouse's mother (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which distinguishes between a mother-in-law and a father-in-law, the Tagalog term biyenan is gender-neutral and covers both.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the term plural (mothers-in-law or fathers-in-law), add the marker mga before the word, resulting in mga biyenan.
When do people say it?
In many Filipino households, it is common practice to address a mother-in-law by a respectful title like Nanay or Mama rather than using the technical term biyenan when speaking to her directly.
Did you know?
- While biyenan is the formal term, many Filipinos use the Spanish-derived word suegra in casual conversation to refer to a mother-in-law.
- In traditional Filipino culture, the relationship with the biyenan is often managed through a concept called 'pakikisama', which emphasizes harmony and yielding to avoid conflict.
- The term biyenan is often used in Filipino soap operas and films as a catalyst for comedic 'clash of personalities' tropes between the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law.
Examples in context
- Mabait ang biyenan ko.My mother-in-law is kind.
- Nandiyan ba ang biyenan mo?Is your mother-in-law there?
- Binigyan kami ng biyenan namin ng regalo.Our mother-in-law gave us a gift.
Example conversation
Mark and Christina are talking about a family visit.
- MarkKailan darating ang biyenan mo?When is your mother-in-law arriving?
- ChristinaDarating siya bukas ng umaga.She is arriving tomorrow morning.
- MarkHanda na ba ang bahay?Is the house ready?
- ChristinaOo, nilinis ko na ito.Yes, I already cleaned it.
