馃嚨馃嚟 Tagalog phrases

How to Say "Father" in Tagalog

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ama
"Father" in Tagalog 路 say it like ah-mah

The most natural way to say "Father" in Tagalog is Ama. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Itay
Commonly used in casual settings, especially among children.
Tatay
A more informal and affectionate term for father.

When to use it

Use 'Ama' when referring to your father in a respectful manner. 'Itay' is often used by children when addressing their fathers. 'Tatay' is more casual and can be used among friends or family.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Father" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Tagalog

TagalogEnglish
Mahal ko ang aking ama.I love my father.
Itay, pwede po bang magtanong?Dad, may I ask something?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'Ama' with 'Inay' which means mother.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ama, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Tagalog with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'Ama' and 'Tatay'?

'Ama' is more formal, while 'Tatay' is informal and affectionate.

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