Family in Tagalog is spelled pamilya.
The word pamilya refers to the people connected to you by blood, marriage, or adoption. In Filipino culture, family is not just about living in the same house — it represents love, unity, sacrifice, and lifelong support.
In the Philippines, family is considered the foundation of identity and values. Learning how to use pamilya properly helps you understand Filipino traditions and communicate more naturally in daily life.

Table of Contents
What Is Family?
Family is a group of related individuals who share emotional bonds, responsibilities, and support for one another.
In Tagalog, pamilya is a noun commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Quick Facts
- Category: Noun
- Tagalog Word: Pamilya
- Common Use: Relationships, introductions, traditions
- Cultural Importance: Core foundation of Filipino society
Family in Tagalog: Complete Vocabulary Words List with English Meanings
If you’re learning family in Tagalog, understanding common Filipino family terms will help you communicate naturally in everyday conversations. In Filipino culture, pamilya (family) is central to identity, respect, tradition, and strong relationships.
20 Essential Family Vocabulary Words in Tagalog
| # | English | Tagalog | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family | Pamilya | Mahal ko ang aking pamilya. |
| 2 | Parents | Magulang | Mabait ang aking mga magulang. |
| 3 | Mother | Ina / Nanay | Si Nanay ang ilaw ng tahanan. |
| 4 | Father | Ama / Tatay | Si Tatay ang haligi ng tahanan. |
| 5 | Child | Anak | Siya ang aking anak. |
| 6 | Children | Mga anak | Masaya ang mga anak sa bahay. |
| 7 | Brother | Kapatid na lalaki | May isa akong kapatid na lalaki. |
| 8 | Sister | Kapatid na babae | Siya ang aking kapatid na babae. |
| 9 | Older Brother | Kuya | Si Kuya ang panganay. |
| 10 | Older Sister | Ate | Si Ate ang tumutulong sa amin. |
| 11 | Grandmother | Lola | Mahal ko ang aking lola. |
| 12 | Grandfather | Lolo | Si Lolo ay matalino. |
| 13 | Grandchild | Apo | Masaya ang lola sa kanyang apo. |
| 14 | Aunt | Tiya / Tiyahin | Dumating ang aking tiya kahapon. |
| 15 | Uncle | Tiyo / Tiyuhin | Mabait ang aking tiyo. |
| 16 | Cousin | Pinsan | Kasama ko ang aking pinsan. |
| 17 | Nephew | Pamangkin na lalaki | May pamangkin akong lalaki. |
| 18 | Niece | Pamangkin na babae | Siya ang aking pamangkin na babae. |
| 19 | Spouse | Asawa | Mahal niya ang kanyang asawa. |
| 20 | Relatives | Mga kamag-anak | Nagtipon ang mga kamag-anak. |
10 Example Sentences Using “Pamilya” (Family in Tagalog) with English Translation
- Pamilya ang lahat para sa akin.
(Family is everything to me.) - Mahal ko ang aking pamilya.
(I love my family.) - Sinusuportahan ako ng aking pamilya.
(My family supports me.) - Kumakain kami nang sama-sama bilang pamilya.
(We eat together as a family.) - Ang pamilya ang aking lakas.
(My family is my strength.) - Nagdiriwang kami ng pista kasama ang pamilya.
(We celebrate festivals with family.) - Napakalapit ng aming pamilya sa isa’t isa.
(Our family is very close to one another.) - Itinuturo ng pamilya ang mabubuting asal.
(Family teaches good values.) - Sa pamilya nagsisimula ang paggalang.
(Respect begins in the family.) - Lagi kong uunahin ang aking pamilya.
(I will always put my family first.)
These 10 example sentences using “pamilya” (family in Tagalog) show how naturally and frequently the word appears in daily Filipino life. From expressing love and gratitude to describing traditions and values, pamilya is a core part of everyday communication.
Mga Family Quotes sa Tagalog (Family in Tagalog Quotes and Sayings)
Narito ang 10 piling quotes tungkol sa pamilya na maaari mong gamitin para sa social media, proyekto, o inspirasyon sa araw-araw:
- “Sa hirap at ginhawa, ang pamilya ang sandigan.”
(In hardship and comfort, family is the support.) - “Ang pamilya ay regalo ng Diyos.”
(Family is a gift from God.) - “Pagmamahal ng pamilya, walang kapantay.”
(Family love is incomparable.) - “Tunay na kayamanan ang pamilya.”
(Family is true wealth.) - “Ang pamilya ay hindi isang mahalagang bagay lamang. Ito ay ang lahat.”
(Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.) - “Ang ibig sabihin ng pamilya ay walang naiiwan o nalilimutan.”
(Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.) - “Ang pamilya ang pundasyon ng ating pagkatao.”
(Family is the foundation of our character.) - “Walang perpektong pamilya, pero ang pagmamahalan ang nagpapaganda rito.”
(There is no perfect family, but love makes it beautiful.) - “Sa bawat pagsubok, ang pamilya ang unang sasalo sa iyo.”
(In every trial, family catches you first.) - “Sa pamilya nagsisimula ang lahat ng mabubuting asal.”
(All good values begin in the family.)
These family in Tagalog quotes highlight the deep importance of pamilya in Filipino culture. Each quote reflects core Filipino values such as love, unity, faith, sacrifice, and lifelong support. In the Philippines, family is not only a social group — it is the foundation of identity, character, and strength.
Short Captions / Phrases About Family in Tagalog (With English Translation)
1. “Pamilya muna, palagi.”
(Family first, always.)
2. “Sama-sama, walang iwanan.”
(Together, no one gets left behind.)
3. “Pag-ibig sa tahanan.”
(Love in the home.)
4. “Pundasyon ng pagkatao.”
(Foundation of character.)
5. “Lakas ng puso.”
(Strength of the heart.)
6. “Sa pamilya ang tunay na saya.”
(True happiness is in the family.)
7. “Tahanan ng pagmamahal.”
(Home of love.)
8. “Magkasama sa hirap at ginhawa.”
(Together in hardship and comfort.)
9. “Dito nagsisimula ang pag-ibig.”
(Love begins here.)
10. “Buo ang puso kapag kasama ang pamilya.”
(The heart is complete when with family.)
These short Tagalog family captions are easy to remember and powerful in meaning. Whether you are sharing a photo, creating inspirational content, or expressing appreciation, these phrases beautifully capture what pamilya means in Filipino life.
Why Family Matters in Filipino Culture
Family plays a central role in Filipino life:
- It shapes personal identity.
- It teaches respect and responsibility.
- It provides emotional and financial support.
- It strengthens community ties.
- It builds lifelong loyalty and love.
In Filipino society, the family is often described as “ang pinakamahalagang selula ng lipunan” — the most important unit of society.
Conclusion
Family in Tagalog is pamilya. More than just a word, it represents love, sacrifice, unity, and unwavering support.
Whether you are learning Tagalog, teaching vocabulary, or sharing inspirational quotes, understanding the meaning of pamilya gives you deeper insight into Filipino values and culture.
Family is not just part of life — for many Filipinos, it is life itself.




