Signification
Asking for the identity of a third person.
Contexte culturel
Filipinos are very relational. Asking 'Sino siya?' is often the first step in 'Pakikipagkapwa' (connecting with others). The use of 'po' and 'opo' is strictly observed. Even a simple 'Sino siya?' needs 'po' if the subject is older. On social media, 'Sino siya?' is often used in a humorous way to ask about 'mystery' dates in photos. In offices, people might use 'Sino sila?' (plural) even for one person to show extreme distance and formality.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about 'he' or 'she'. 'Siya' covers everyone!
Don't Point!
Pointing with your finger while asking 'Sino siya?' can be rude. Use your eyes or a slight head tilt instead.
Signification
Asking for the identity of a third person.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about 'he' or 'she'. 'Siya' covers everyone!
Don't Point!
Pointing with your finger while asking 'Sino siya?' can be rude. Use your eyes or a slight head tilt instead.
The 'Ba' Factor
Add 'ba' (Sino ba siya?) to sound more like a native speaker when you are curious.
Respect Elders
Always add 'po' if you are asking about someone older than you.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct way to ask 'Who is he?' respectfully.
Asking an elder about a stranger:
Adding 'po' makes the question respectful for elders.
Complete the sentence to ask 'Who is he/she?'
Sino ____?
'Siya' is the correct third-person singular pronoun.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Nakita ko ang bagong guro. B: ________? A: Si Bb. Santos.
B is asking for the identity of the teacher mentioned by A.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are looking at a photo of a woman.
'Siya' is singular, matching the one woman in the photo.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAsking an elder about a stranger:
Adding 'po' makes the question respectful for elders.
Sino ____?
'Siya' is the correct third-person singular pronoun.
A: Nakita ko ang bagong guro. B: ________? A: Si Bb. Santos.
B is asking for the identity of the teacher mentioned by A.
You are looking at a photo of a woman.
'Siya' is singular, matching the one woman in the photo.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'siya' and 'sino' are used exclusively for humans. For animals or objects, use 'ano' and 'ito/yan/yun'.
You can't specify gender with just 'siya'. You would have to add context, like 'Sino yung babae?' (Who is that woman?).
Not inherently, but like in English, asking 'Who is he?' while they are standing right there can be awkward. Use 'Sino po sila?' to be safer.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for babies.
'Siya' is the pronoun 'he/she', while 'yan' is 'that person'. 'Sino 'yan?' is more common if the person is physically present.
You can answer with 'Siya si [Name]' or '[Relationship] ko siya'. For example: 'Siya si Juan' or 'Pinsan ko siya'.
It's just a contraction for faster speaking. It's very common in Manila.
It's better to use 'Sino po ang tinutukoy ninyo?' (Who are you referring to?) for better formality.
No, for someone at the door, use 'Sino 'yan?' (Who is that?).
Yes, 'Siya' is used for God in Filipino, often capitalized in writing.
Expressions liées
Sino ka?
similarWho are you?
Sino sila?
builds onWho are they?
Sino 'to?
specialized formWho is this?
Kilala mo ba siya?
similarDo you know him/her?
Sino po sila?
specialized formWho are you? (Formal)
