Usage Note
Ninang is derived from Spanish 'madrina' filtered through the Philippine compadrazgo system of ritual co-parenthood. A ninang is a godmother — a woman who sponsors a child at baptism, confirmation, or wedding and takes on a lifelong ceremonial and often practical role in that person's life. The relationship is taken seriously in Filipino Catholic culture, with godchildren expected to show respect and greet their ninang formally.
Examples
" Mabait ang aking Ninang. "
Natural Translation
My godmother is kind.
Literal Translation
Kind the my godmother.
" Dumating ang aking Ninang upang magbigay ng regalo. "
Natural Translation
My godmother arrived to give a gift.
Literal Translation
Arrived the my godmother to give of gift.
" Tuwing Pasko, hinahanap ko ang aking Ninang upang humalik sa kanyang kamay at humingi ng kanyang basbas. "
Natural Translation
Every Christmas, I look for my godmother to kiss her hand and ask for her blessing.
Literal Translation
Every Christmas, look-for I the my godmother to kiss to her hand and ask of her blessing.
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