matanda
/matanˈdaʔ/
The English phrase "old man" is translated into Filipino as matanda.
matanda is used to refer to an elderly man, an old person or an elder. In many contexts, it can refer to someone as an elder or an older person in a general sense, rather than strictly specifying their biological age.
Meaning: elderly man (noun)
Which one should you use?
While matanda is the base form, it is gender-neutral and can mean either an old man or an old woman. To specifically specify an "old man," you should use the phrase matandang lalaki.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using matanda as an adjective before a noun, the linker -ng is added to the end of the word, resulting in matandang. For example, to say "old man" as a noun phrase, you use matandang lalaki (old + linker + man).
How do you pronounce it?
/matanˈdaʔ/
When do people say it?
When addressing an elderly man, it is common to use the colloquial term Lolo.
Did you know?
- The word matanda can be used to describe an object that is old, but it is rarely used for inanimate things like buildings. Instead, the word luma is used for old objects, creating a strict divide between living and non-living age.
- In Filipino culture, the concept of being an elder is tied to the gesture of pagmamano. This involves taking the hand of a matanda and pressing it to one's forehead as a sign of respect.
- While matanda refers to age, the root word tanda also means 'mark' or 'sign'. In a linguistic sense, being 'old' is viewed as having the marks of time.
Examples in context
- Isa akong matandang lalaki.I'm an old man.This sentence demonstrates the use of matanda to describe oneself as an old man.Tatoeba #11674720 by qwertzu, translation #1306715 by CK
- Binigyan ng matanda ang bata ng tirahan.The old man gave the child shelter.This sentence shows matanda used as the subject (the old man) of the sentence.Tatoeba #11582669 by qwertzu, translation #326435 by CK
- Wala siyang mapilian kundi ikasal ang matandang lalaki.She had no other choice but to marry the old man.This sentence uses the phrase matandang lalaki to specify the old man.Tatoeba #2038671 by nonong, translation #2038661 by chubbard
- Nakausap ko kanina ang matandang lalaki na nagbibigay ng lecture tungkol sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa.I had a conversation with the old man who gave a lecture on the history of our country.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ricardo and Patricia are walking through a neighborhood park.
- RicardoNakita mo ba ang matanda sa tabi ng puno?Did you see the old man by the tree?
- PatriciaOo, mukhang pagod ang matandang iyon.Yes, that old man looks tired.
- RicardoSana ay may magbigay sa kanya ng tubig.I hope someone gives him some water.
- PatriciaTutulungan natin siya, Ricardo.We will help him, Ricardo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry matanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matanda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
