palao'an
The Chamorro word for woman is palao'an.
The term refers to an adult female person.
Meaning: adult female person (noun)
Did you know?
- The term palao'an belongs to a language group that is related to languages spoken as far away as Madagascar and Taiwan.
- In traditional Chamorro society, a palao'an often held more legal power than a man, as land and titles were passed down through the female line.
- The glottal stop in palao'an is produced by a quick closure of the vocal cords, a sound found in the English word 'uh-oh'.
Example conversation
Angelica and Luis are talking about a person they saw.
- AngelicaKao na'on i palao'an?Is the woman here?
- LuisAo, na'on siña.Yes, she is here.
- AngelicaKao i palao'an i taga-skuela?Is the woman a teacher?
- LuisAo, taga-skuela siña.Yes, she is a teacher.
