Signification
Used to ask about a person's age.
Contexte culturel
Age is the primary determinant of social address. Even a small age gap requires the use of 'Ate' (older sister) or 'Kuya' (older brother). The 7th, 18th (for girls), and 21st (for boys) birthdays are major milestones. Asking age often leads to discussing these 'debut' celebrations. When asking an elder their age, it is often accompanied by the 'mano' gesture (taking their hand to your forehead) as a sign of respect. In Filipino offices, age often trumps job title in terms of informal respect. An older subordinate might still be addressed with 'po' by a younger boss.
The 'Na' Rule
Always include 'na'. It makes you sound like a native speaker who understands that age is a completed milestone.
Respect the Gap
If the person looks older than you, don't even think about using 'ka'. Switch to 'kayo po' immediately.
Signification
Used to ask about a person's age.
The 'Na' Rule
Always include 'na'. It makes you sound like a native speaker who understands that age is a completed milestone.
Respect the Gap
If the person looks older than you, don't even think about using 'ka'. Switch to 'kayo po' immediately.
The 'Ate/Kuya' Context
After asking age, if they are older, start using 'Ate' or 'Kuya' before their name to show you've acknowledged their seniority.
Teste-toi
Complete the question to ask a friend their age.
Ilang ____ ka na?
'Taon' is the standard word for 'year' in this phrase.
Which is the most respectful way to ask an elderly person their age?
Asking a grandmother:
'Po' and 'kayo' are necessary for respect.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Ilang taon ka na? B: _________ na ako.
The answer should be a number (Sampu = 10).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Ilang taon na po kayo?'
A teacher is an authority figure requiring formal language.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIlang ____ ka na?
'Taon' is the standard word for 'year' in this phrase.
Asking a grandmother:
'Po' and 'kayo' are necessary for respect.
A: Ilang taon ka na? B: _________ na ako.
The answer should be a number (Sampu = 10).
Phrase: 'Ilang taon na po kayo?'
A teacher is an authority figure requiring formal language.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsGenerally, no. It's a standard social inquiry used to establish respect levels. However, be tactful with professional women or in formal settings.
Yes, it's a shortened, polite version often used when the subject is obvious.
'Taon' means 'year' and is used in the most common phrase. 'Edad' is the direct word for 'age' and is used in 'Anong edad mo?'
Say '[Number] na ako.' For example: 'Dalawampu na ako' (I am 20 already).
'Na' indicates that you have already reached that age. It's an aspectual marker for completed state.
Only for countable things. For mass nouns like water or sugar, use 'gaano'.
Usually, you'd say 'Ilang taon na ito?' (How many years is this?) for objects like cars or houses.
Most Filipinos use English numbers in casual conversation (e.g., '25 na ako'). It's perfectly natural.
Yes, 'Age mo?' or 'Ilang years ka na?' are common in urban slang.
It can also mean 'coincidence' in the word 'nagkataon'.
Expressions liées
Kailan ang kaarawan mo?
similarWhen is your birthday?
Matanda na ako.
builds onI am already old.
Bata pa ako.
contrastI am still young.
Anong edad mo?
synonymWhat is your age?
