jowa
jowâ with stress marks
boyfriend or girlfriend
Usage Note
Jowa is a widely used Filipino slang term for a romantic partner, gender-neutral and informal, favored by younger Filipinos in casual speech, social media, and texting. It is believed to have roots in Swardspeak (Filipino gay slang) and should be avoided in formal or professional settings.
Examples
" Sino ang jowa mo? "
Natural Translation
Who is your boyfriend/girlfriend?
Literal Translation
Who the partner your?
" May jowa ka na ba? "
Natural Translation
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend already?
Literal Translation
Has partner you already?
" Matagal na silang magjowa, pero ngayon lang nila ipinakilala ang isa't isa sa kanilang mga magulang. "
Natural Translation
They've been together a long time, but only now did they introduce each other to their parents.
Literal Translation
Long-time already they-that be-partners, but now only they introduced the each-other to their parents.
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