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