How to Say "Mother" in Tagalog

nánay

The English word mother is translated into Tagalog as nánay. Wiktionary also lists iná.

Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)

Ways to say it

“mother” in Tagalog
Tagalog
nánay
iná

These terms refer to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child.

While nánay is the most common everyday term, iná is used in more formal or literary contexts. Other informal variations include Inay and Mama.

iná is a formal or literary term for mother. Conversely, nánay, Inay and Mama are informal terms used to call or refer to one's own mother.

In some regions, the informal counterpart to nánay for 'father' is Tatay or itay.

In the Philippines, it is common to call any older woman Nanay as a sign of respect and affection, even if she is not a parent or related to you.
The use of 'Mama' in the Philippines is often influenced by Spanish-American linguistic history, making it a ubiquitous hybrid term in modern urban Tagalog.
The word Ina is used in the phrase Ina ng Bayan, which translates to 'Mother of the Nation', used to describe a maternal figurehead of the country.

Ang aking ina ay napakabait.
My mother is very kind.
Paumanhin po, pero ang ina ko ay hindi available ngayon.
I'm sorry, but my mother is not available right now.
Nanay, puwedeng paabot ng tubig?
Mom, can you pass me some water?
Inay, salamat po sa pag-aalaga sa amin.
Mom, thank you for taking care of us.
Mama, ang sarap ng luto mo!
Mom, the food you cooked is delicious!
Tatay, tinawag ka ng nanay mo.
Dad, mom is calling you.
Mahal ko ang aking nánay.
I love my mother.
Nasaan ang nánay mo?
Where is your mother?
Mabait ang nánay ni Maria.
Maria's mother is kind.

Two friends are talking about their families over coffee.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏