Overview
Family terms carry respect and warmth in Filipino culture. This guide helps you choose the right words when speaking with parents, grandparents, and relatives.
Core immediate family terms
Start with the words you will use most often at home and in family chats.
- Nanay and tatay for parents
- Anak for child
- Pamilya for family as a whole
Siblings and respectful titles
Kuya and ate show respect and are used beyond siblings too.
- Kuya for older brothers or older men you know
- Ate for older sisters or older women you know
- Use po for extra respect
Grandparents and extended relatives
Extended family is a big part of Filipino life.
- Lola and lolo for grandparents
- Tita and tito for aunts and uncles
- Pinsan for cousins
Combine titles with greetings
Pair family terms with greetings to sound natural and polite.
- Magandang umaga po, Lola
- Kumusta po kayo, Tito
- Salamat po, Kuya
FAQ
Are kuya and ate only for siblings?
No. They are also respectful titles for older men and women you know.
Should I always add po with family terms?
Use po when speaking to elders or when you want to be extra respectful.
Is pinsan gender-specific?
Pinsan is gender-neutral and works for any cousin.