Pamilya
pah-MIL-yah
EnglishFamily
Word of the Day · Friday, April 17, 2026
pah-MIL-yah
EnglishFamily
"Pamilya" is borrowed from the Spanish "familia," introduced during Spain's colonization of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898 — one of thousands of Spanish loanwords that entered Bisaya through the Church and colonial administration.
Bisaya family bonds are famously strong: extended family members often live in the same compound, share finances in hard times, and pool resources for celebrations like fiestas and funerals.
Ang akong pamilya importante kaayo sa akoa.
“My family is very important to me.”
Nagtigom ang tibuok pamilya para sa Pasko.
“The whole family gathered for Christmas.”
Mahal ko ang akong pamilya.
“I love my family.”
Quick Quiz
Which colonial power introduced the word "pamilya" into the Bisaya language?
"Pamilya" means "Family" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a noun in the Family category, pronounced as "pah-MIL-yah".
"Pamilya" is pronounced "pah-MIL-yah". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
Example: "Ang akong pamilya importante kaayo sa akoa." — "My family is very important to me.". Bisaya family bonds are famously strong: extended family members often live in the same compound, share finances in hard times, and pool resources for celebrations like fiestas and funerals.
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