filipino: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal; standard in geographic/demographic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “filipino” mean?
A person from the Philippines or of Philippine descent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person from the Philippines or of Philippine descent.
The national language of the Philippines (based on Tagalog). Also used to describe things relating to the Philippines or its people (e.g., Filipino culture).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. 'Pilipino' is an older/variant spelling sometimes seen in Philippine English contexts, but 'Filipino' is standard in both UK and US English.
Connotations
Neutral demonym; no significant UK/US connotative difference.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, contingent on discussion of the Philippines.
Grammar
How to Use “filipino” in a Sentence
[be] + Filipino[of] + Filipino + descent[speak] + FilipinoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “filipino” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use)
American English
- (No standard adverb use)
adjective
British English
- She is preparing a traditional Filipino dish for the party.
- The company has strong Filipino connections.
American English
- We're going to a Filipino food festival this weekend.
- He is proud of his Filipino heritage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
e.g., 'We are expanding our Filipino workforce.'
Academic
e.g., 'The study focused on Filipino migration patterns.'
Everyday
e.g., 'My neighbour is Filipino.'
Technical
e.g., 'The linguist compared Filipino and Tagalog dialects.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “filipino”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “filipino”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “filipino”
- Using lowercase 'filipino'.
- Confusing 'Filipino' (language/people) with 'Philippine' (adj. for things).
- Using 'Filipino' as a plural without 's' (e.g., 'three Filipinos' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Filipino' can refer to any person from the Philippines or be used generically/masculinely. 'Filipina' specifically denotes a female from the Philippines.
As a language, 'Filipino' is the national language, officially based on Tagalog but incorporating elements from other Philippine languages. In common usage, especially outside linguistics, they are often used interchangeably.
The country name 'Philippines' derives from Spanish 'Filipinas', named after King Philip II. The English adopted the 'Ph-' spelling for the country, but retained the original 'F-' for the demonym 'Filipino', which came into English via Spanish.
Yes, 'Philippino' is an archaic and incorrect spelling. The correct and respectful term is 'Filipino'.
A person from the Philippines or of Philippine descent.
Filipino is usually neutral to formal; standard in geographic/demographic contexts. in register.
Filipino: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪl.ɪˈpiː.nəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪl.ɪˈpiː.noʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pinoy pride (cultural pride expression)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Fill a PINO (person in/from) the Philippines' -> Filipino.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORIGIN AS IDENTITY (A people/culture is its land).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'Filipino' correctly?