Usage Note
Pinsan is gender-neutral and covers cousins of any degree — Filipinos distinguish pinsang buo (first cousin) from pinsang makalawa (second cousin). Cousins usually count as close family and are addressed much like siblings.
Examples
" Marami akong pinsan. "
Natural Translation
I have many cousins.
Literal Translation
Many I cousin.
" Pinsan ko siya sa panig ng nanay ko. "
Natural Translation
He is my cousin on my mother's side.
Literal Translation
Cousin my he at side of-the mother my.
" Tuwing Pasko ay nagtitipon ang magpipinsan sa bahay ng lola para sa Noche Buena. "
Natural Translation
Every Christmas the cousins gather at grandmother's house for Noche Buena.
Literal Translation
Every Christmas gather the cousins at house of-the grandmother for at Noche Buena.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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