Usage Note
Tatay is the warm, everyday word for father used across the Philippines, equivalent to 'dad' in English. It is preferred in casual family speech over the more formal 'ama'. Children typically address their father directly as 'Tatay' rather than using a name.
Examples
" Mabait ang tatay ko. "
Natural Translation
My father is kind.
Literal Translation
Kind the father my.
" Si tatay ay nagtatrabaho sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
Father is working in the field.
Literal Translation
The father is working in field.
" Tuwing umaga, inihahatid kami ng aming tatay sa paaralan bago siya pumasok sa trabaho. "
Natural Translation
Every morning, our father takes us to school before he goes to work.
Literal Translation
Every morning, is-taken we by our father to school before he enters to work.
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