mga kapatid na babae
The English phrase "sisters" is translated into Filipino as mga kapatid na babae.
The phrase mga kapatid na babae is used to refer to female siblings who share the same parents.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mga (the plural marker), kapatid (sibling) and na babae (female).
Which one should you use?
To specify brothers instead of sisters, you would change the word babae (female) to lalaki (male), resulting in mga kapatid na lalaki.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Cebuano language, the term igsuon nga babaye is commonly used to refer to sisters.
Did you know?
- Filipino speakers often use the word ate to address an older sister or any slightly older female, regardless of whether they are related.
- In the Philippines, the term kapatid is often used to address fellow members of certain religious groups or close friends, even if they are not biological siblings.
- The plural marker mga is actually a shortened version of the word manga. Its current spelling is a result of old Spanish abbreviation rules and the limitations of English typewriters.
Examples in context
- Kumusta, ate? Tara, samahan mo ako mamili!Hey sis, how are you? Come with me to go shopping!
- Magaganda ang mga kapatid na babae mo.Your sisters are beautiful.
- Nasaan ang mga kapatid na babae ni Ana?Where are Ana's sisters?
Example conversation
Jose and Maria are looking at a family photograph.
- JoseSinu-sino ang mga kapatid na babae mo?Who are your sisters?
- MariaSila ay sina Ana at Elena.They are Ana and Elena.
- JoseAng gaganda nila.They are very beautiful.
- MariaSalamat, Jose.Thank you, Jose.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babae, kapatid, mga, na, CC BY-SA 4.0.
