You're probably looking for a quick translation. You want the one-to-one swap for the English word "sister" so you can finish a card or greet someone. If you just want the dictionary answer, the word is kapatid na babae. But honestly? If you walk into a house in Manila and call someone that, you're going to get some very confused looks. It’s technically correct, but nobody actually says it in real life.
The Philippines is a culture built on hierarchy and respect. Language isn't just about labels; it's about where you stand in the family tree.
The Basics of How to Say Sister in Filipino
The root word you need to know is kapatid. This is a gender-neutral term. It literally means "sibling" or "part of the same umbilical cord." The word comes from patid, which means to cut or break. It’s a beautiful, visceral image—you and your sibling are pieces of the same life source.
If you absolutely must specify that the sibling is female, you add babae (woman/female). So, kapatid na babae. Most Filipinos will just say "kapatid ko" (my sibling) and let the context do the heavy lifting. We don't obsess over gendered nouns the way Spanish or French does. We care about age.
Age is everything.
The Big Sister: Ate
If you have an older sister, you don't call her by her first name. That is a massive no-no in Filipino households. You call her Ate.
It’s pronounced ah-teh. This term is borrowed from the Hokkien Chinese word a-chi. Because of the long history of trade and migration between China and the Philippines, many of our most intimate family terms have Chinese roots. You use Ate as a sign of respect. Even if she’s only a year older than you, she is your Ate.
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You can also use it for women who aren't your biological sisters. The lady selling you vegetables at the market? Ate. Your best friend’s older cousin? Ate. It’s a way of saying, "I respect you as an elder female figure in my life." It builds an instant bridge.
The Younger Sister
What about a younger sister? There isn't a specific respectful title like Ate for them. You usually just call them by their name or a nickname. However, the general term for a younger sibling is bunso if they are the youngest in the family.
If they are just younger but not the "baby" of the family, you might call them nene or nana, though these are becoming a bit old-fashioned. Most people just stick to nicknames. Filipinos love nicknames. If her name is Maria, she's "Mares." If her name is Catherine, she's "Cat-Cat."
Why Geography Matters
Tagalog is the basis for the national language, Filipino, but it isn't the only language spoken in the islands. Not by a long shot. If you find yourself in Cebu or Davao, the rules change.
In Bisaya (Cebuano), the word for sister is anakun or kaluha (if they are a twin), but more commonly, people use manang for an older sister. This also comes from the Spanish word hermana.
- Luzon (Tagalog): Ate
- Visayas (Cebuano): Manang or Inday
- Ilocos (Ilocano): Manang
Notice how Manang pops up in different regions? It’s a remnant of the 300 years of Spanish colonization. While Ate feels more "Filipino" to many, Manang is just as common in rural areas or among the older generation. If you call a young woman Manang in Manila, she might get offended because it makes her sound "old" or "provincial." Context is a minefield.
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Honorifics and the "Kuya" Dynamic
It is impossible to talk about how to say sister in Filipino without mentioning the male counterpart: Kuya.
Just like Ate, Kuya is used for older brothers or older male peers. If you are a woman talking about your sister to someone else, you would say, "Ang ate ko..." (My older sister...). If you have multiple older sisters, you might number them. Ate Diane, Ate Sheila, and so on.
The social pressure to use these terms is real. I’ve seen grown adults get into arguments because a younger sibling stopped using the title Ate. It’s viewed as a rejection of the family hierarchy. It’s like saying, "I don't owe you respect anymore."
Beyond Biology: The "Sister" Bond
Filipinos are famous for having "extended" families. Your "sister" might just be your neighbor’s daughter who you grew up with. In this case, you still use Ate.
There is also the term sishaw or sis, which is very common among urban millennials and Gen Z. It’s obviously taken from English, but it’s used in a very specific, "bestie" kind of way. Then there’s bakla culture (LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines), where terms like shuta or mars (short for comadre) are used between close female friends or gay men to signify a sisterly bond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't use kapatid na babae in a text message. It’s too long. It’s formal. It sounds like a textbook.
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If you are talking to a stranger who is roughly your age or slightly older, just use Ate. If they are significantly older—like your mother's age—use Tita (Auntie). Calling a 50-year-old woman Ate might be seen as a compliment (as if she looks young), but it could also seem like you don't know your manners.
Also, watch your pronunciation. Ate is two syllables. Don't say "eight." It’s Ah-Teh.
The Actionable Breakdown
If you want to sound like a local when talking about or to a sister, follow these steps:
- Check the age gap. If she is older than you, she is Ate [Name]. No exceptions.
- Use "Kapatid" for general talk. If someone asks if you have siblings, say "May kapatid ako" (I have a sibling). You don't need to specify gender unless they ask.
- Embrace the nickname. If you are the older one, call your younger sister by a shortened version of her name. Adding "psst" is optional but very Filipino.
- Regional Awareness. If you’re in the northern Philippines, try Manang. In the south, Inday is a common term of endearment for younger girls/sisters, though be careful—in Manila, Inday has sometimes been used derogatorily for domestic helpers, which is a whole other sociological issue.
Understanding how to say sister in Filipino is less about the word and more about the feeling. It’s about acknowledging that you aren't just an individual; you are part of a unit. Whether you use Ate, Manang, or just Sis, you’re participating in a culture that prizes connection over almost everything else.
Next time you see a female friend who’s looked out for you, try calling her Ate. Watch how her face lights up. It’s an instant promotion to family status.