---
title: "Father in Tagalog: Tatay | TagaTuro"
description: "Learn how to say father in Tagalog. tatay (formal: ama). Pronunciation, usage notes, and example sentences."
language: en
source: "TagaTuro"
url: https://www.tagaturo.com/tagalog/father/
---

# How to Say "Father" in Tagalog

Learn how to say father in Tagalog with pronunciation, usage notes, and example sentences.

## Quick answer
Father in Tagalog is "tatay" (formal: "ama").

Formal variant: ama

## Pronunciation
Say it as "tah-tai".

## Usage and cultural notes
Tatay is the common, affectionate term for father. Ama is formal and used in speeches, literature, and prayer.

Use tatay in everyday speech. Ama is respectful and formal.

## Example sentences
- Tatay, kumusta ang trabaho? - Dad, how is work? (daily conversation)
- Si ama ay guro. - My father is a teacher. (formal introduction)

## Related words
- [Mother](/tagalog/mother/) - Nanay
- [Older Sister](/tagalog/older-sister/) - Ate
- [Older Brother](/tagalog/older-brother/) - Kuya
- [Grandmother](/tagalog/grandmother/) - Lola
- [Grandfather](/tagalog/grandfather/) - Lolo
- [Family](/tagalog/family/) - Pamilya
- [Child](/tagalog/child/) - Anak

## Related category
- [Family and Relationships](/categories/family/)

## Keep learning
- [Tagalog words](/tagalog/)
- [Tagalog for English Speakers: Learn with Cultural Context](/guides/tagalog-for-english-speakers/) - A focused guide for English speakers learning Tagalog. Learn respectful phrases, family vocabulary, and pronunciation that sounds natural.