Usage Note
Atsay is a colloquial and generally pejorative term for a female domestic worker. The term is considered disrespectful by many and is avoided in polite or professional settings, where kasambahay is the preferred and respectful alternative. Atsoy is the masculine counterpart for a male domestic worker.
Examples
" Bago pa ang aming atsay. "
Natural Translation
Our female helper is new.
Literal Translation
New still the our female-helper.
" Mabait ang aming atsay. "
Natural Translation
Our female domestic helper is kind.
Literal Translation
Kind the our female-helper.
" Mas magalang tawaging kasambahay kaysa atsay, dahil itinuturing ng marami ang huli na isang mapanlait na salita. "
Natural Translation
It is more respectful to use the term kasambahay than atsay, because many people consider the latter a demeaning word.
Literal Translation
More respectful to-call kasambahay than female-helper, because considered by many the latter as one demeaning word.
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