Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| kapatid na babae | /kapaˈtid na baˈbaʔe/ (Standard Tagalog, word by word) |
| ate | /ˈʔate/ /ʔaˈte/ |
| nene | /ˈneneʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| ditse | /diˈt͡ʃe/ (Standard Tagalog) /ditˈse/ |
| sanse | /sanˈse/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| sitse | /siˈt͡ʃe/ (Standard Tagalog) /sitˈse/ |
Tagalog uses different terms to refer to a sister depending on her seniority, her role in the family or the level of affection intended. While kapatid na babae is the literal term for a female sibling, other terms like ate are much more common in daily speech.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kapatid na babae is composed of kapatid, meaning sibling and babae, meaning woman or female.
Which one should you use?
Kapatid na babae is the literal translation for a female sibling. In daily conversation, ate is the practical term used to refer to or address an older sister. For specific birth orders, ditse refers to the second eldest sister and sanse refers to the third eldest sister. The term nene is used specifically for a younger sister or a little girl.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kapatid na babae is a formal or general way to describe a female sibling. Nene is an endearing, informal term used for younger girls or sisters.
How do you pronounce it?
/kapaˈtid na baˈbaʔe/
When do people say it?
In Filipino culture, ate is used as a respectful honorific for women even if they are not your biological sisters. The term nene serves as an endearing way to address a young girl or a younger sister.
Did you know?
- The word kapatid is formed from the root patid, which means 'to sever' or 'to cut'.
- Using ate as a title can be a way to establish a friendly, familial bond with a woman, effectively 'adopting' her as a sister in a social context.
Examples in context
- Pangit ang ate mo.Your sister is ugly.This sentence uses ate to describe a sister's appearance.Tatoeba #11824398 by qwertzu, translation #11824395 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Ate ka siguro ni Tom.You must be Tom's sister.This sentence uses ate to express a possibility of relationship.Tatoeba #11606588 by qwertzu, translation #2644632 by CK
- Ang tangkad ng ate niya.His sister is very tall.This sentence uses ate to describe a sister's height.Tatoeba #12149703 by qwertzu, translation #12045781 by Pacific
- Ate, puwede bang humiram ng iyong libro?Older sister, can I borrow your book?
- Siya ang aking kapatid na babae.She is my sister.
- Sis, maraming salamat sa tulong mo.Sis, thank you so much for your help.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Ricardo are looking at a family photograph.
- AngelaSino itong kapatid na babae mo?Who is this sister of yours?
- RicardoSiya ang kapatid na babae ko.She is my sister.
- AngelaNasaan siya ngayon?Where is she now?
- RicardoNasa ibang bansa siya.She is in another country.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries ate, nene, ditse, sanse, sitse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kapatid, na, babae) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ate, babae, ditse, kapatid, na, nene, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
