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kaka

káka with stress marks

appellation for older uncles/aunts

noun KA-ka Native origin Common

Usage Note

Kaka is an informal, affectionate term of address for an older relative — typically an uncle, aunt, or an older person of the parental generation. It is most commonly used in Batangas, Tagalog provinces, and older regional varieties of Filipino. It reflects the Filipino custom of assigning relational titles to community elders rather than calling them by name, reinforcing familial respect.

Examples

Beginner

" Bumisita si kaka kahapon. "

Natural Translation

Uncle visited yesterday.

Literal Translation

Visited [,] uncle yesterday.

Intermediate

" Dumating si kaka hapon. "

Natural Translation

Older uncle/aunt arrived yesterday afternoon.

Literal Translation

Arrived [,] uncle afternoon.

Advanced

" Tuwing pista sa amin, si kaka ang laging nangunguna sa pagluluto ng pagkain para sa buong pamilya. "

Natural Translation

During every fiesta in our town, uncle is always the one who leads the cooking for the whole family.

Literal Translation

Every fiesta in ours, [,] uncle the always leading in cooking of-the food for to whole family.

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