tito
/ˈtito/
In Tagalog, the English phrase uncle is translated as tito. Wiktionary also lists tiyo and tiyuhin.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| tito | /ˈtito/ (Standard Tagalog) /ˈtitoʔ/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| tiyo | /ˈtio/ (Standard Tagalog) /tiˈo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| tiyuhin | /tiˈuhin/ (Standard Tagalog) /tiˈuhin/ |
The term is used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of someone's parent.
Which one should you use?
While tito is the most common, colloquial and modern way to say uncle in everyday conversation, tiyo is a more formal or traditional version. The form tiyuhin is used specifically as a formal noun to denote the relationship of being an uncle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tito is an informal and colloquial term. In contrast, tiyo is a more formal version. tiyuhin is used in formal contexts to denote the specific relationship.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtito/
When do people say it?
Because it is a friendly and colloquial title, tito is frequently used to address older men even if they are not biological relatives.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the word tito can be a homonym for the Hokkien word for 'pig tripe', though they are unrelated in meaning.
- The formal noun tiyuhin is used to define the biological relationship of being an uncle and is rarely used as a direct way to speak to someone.
Examples in context
- Dumadalaw si Tom sa kanyang tito.Tom visits his uncle.This sentence shows the use of tito to describe visiting an uncle.Tatoeba #11739489 by qwertzu, translation #10075763 by sundown
- Nakuha ni David ang trabaho mula sa tito niya.David got the job through his uncle.This sentence demonstrates how tito can be used to describe receiving something from an uncle.Tatoeba #11606559 by qwertzu, translation #11260612 by chaule3
- Plano kong manatili sa Australia kasama ang tito ko.I intend to stay in Australia with my uncle.This sentence illustrates using tito when talking about staying with an uncle.Tatoeba #11806452 by qwertzu, translation #7180579 by CK
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Jose are talking about a family gathering.
- JasmineKasama ba ang tito mo sa party?Is your uncle coming to the party?
- JoseOo, darating ang tito ko mamaya.Yes, my uncle is coming later.
- JasmineSana ay magkita kami ng tito mo.I hope I can meet your uncle.
- JoseSigurado, matutuwa ang tito ko sa iyo.Sure, my uncle will be happy to meet you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries tito, tiyo, tiyuhin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tito, tiyo, tiyuhin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
