prinsesa
/pɾinˈsesa/
The English word 'princess' is translated into Tagalog as prinsesa. Wiktionary also lists lakambini and dayangdayang.
Meaning: female member of royal family (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| prinsesa | /pɾinˈsesa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| lakambini | /lakamˈbini/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| dayangdayang |
The term refers to a female member of a royal family.
Which one should you use?
While prinsesa is the standard term, lakambini is a more poetic or archaic term used to refer to a noblewoman or a muse. dayangdayang is also a form used for a princess.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
prinsesa is the most common and modern way to say princess. For an affectionate and honorable way of addressing a princess, you can use the formal phrase Mahal na Prinsesa, which literally means 'beloved princess'. lakambini is considered a literary term.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾinˈsesa/
Did you know?
- In modern Filipino culture, calling someone a prinsesa can be a sarcastic way to describe a person who is spoiled or refuses to do hard manual labor.
- The formal address Mahal na Prinsesa uses mahal, a word that in modern Tagalog means both 'beloved' and 'expensive'.
- The term dayangdayang originates from pre-colonial titles used in the Philippines, long before Spanish influence introduced the word prinsesa.
Examples in context
- Yung totoo, sino ba ang may ayaw maging prinsesa? Ang kailangan mo lang talaga ay isang magaling na tubero at handa ka na!Really, who doesn't want to be a princess? All you really need is a good plumber, and you're set!This sentence uses prinsesa to illustrate a humorous remark about what one needs to be a princess.Tatoeba #11570185 by qwertzu, translation #3108298 by Ooneykcall
- Kinain ng pating ang prinsesa.The princess was eaten by the shark.This sentence uses prinsesa to describe a dramatic event.Tatoeba #7742061 by mervert1, translation #4657574 by mervert1
- Maligayang pagdating, Mahal na Prinsesa!Welcome, beloved princess!
- Natatandaan mo pa ba, Prinsesa, 'yung mga pinagdaanan natin noon?Do you still remember, Princess, the things we went through before?
- Ang prinsesa ay nakatira sa loob ng kastilyo.The princess lives inside the castle.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing a storybook they are reading.
- RicardoAngela, maganda ba ang kuwento ng prinsesa?Angela, is the story of the princess beautiful?
- AngelaOo, Ricardo, napakaganda ng kanyang mga damit.Yes, Ricardo, her clothes are very beautiful.
- RicardoGusto mo bang maging prinsesa sa hinaharap?Do you want to be a princess in the future?
- AngelaHindi, mas gusto ko lang ang maging masaya.No, I just want to be happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “princess” translations and entries prinsesa, lakambini, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
