Which one should you use?
matanda can function as both an adjective meaning old and a noun meaning an old person of any gender. For a more specific formal way to say old man, you can use matandang lalaki.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While matanda is a neutral descriptor for an elderly person, lolo is a more common, respectful and affectionate way to refer to an elderly man in social settings. You may also use tatay to address an older man, though it literally translates to father.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective matanda to modify the noun lalaki (man), the linker -ng is added to the adjective, resulting in matandang lalaki.
How do you pronounce it?
/matanˈdaʔ/
When do people say it?
In social settings, it is common to use lolo (grandfather) as an affectionate and respectful way to refer to an elderly man or tatay (father) to address an older man.
Did you know?
- To show extreme respect to an elderly man, Filipinos often perform mano, pressing the elder's hand to their own forehead while saying a greeting.
- The word matanda is built from the prefix ma- and the root tanda, which actually means 'mark' or 'sign'.
- The term lolo is a loanword from the Spanish abuelo, though it was adapted to fit the phonetic patterns of Tagalog.
Examples in context
- Isa akong matandang lalaki.I'm an old man.This sentence shows how to use matanda to identify oneself.Tatoeba #11674720 by qwertzu, translation #1306715 by CK
- Binigyan ng matanda ang bata ng tirahan.The old man gave the child shelter.This sentence demonstrates matanda being used as a noun for an old person.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 shows how to use matanda as a modifier for a man.Tatoeba #2038671 by nonong, translation #2038661 by chubbard
- Kumusta na, lolo?How are you, grandpa? / How are you, old man?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark and Angela are sitting on a park bench observing the people around them.
- MarkMay nakita akong matanda sa parke.I saw an old man in the park.
- AngelaNakakatuwa siyang panoorin habang naglalakad.It is nice to watch him while he walks.
- MarkMukhang mabait ang matandang iyon.That old man looks kind.
- AngelaMukhang marami siyang kwento.He looks like he has many stories.
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.
