filipina

IPA/ˌfɪlɪˈpiːnə/
IPA/ˌfɪlɪˈpiːnə/

filipina — noun

  • filipinasingular
  • filipinasplural

1. a woman who comes from the Philippines, or whose family background is Filipino

1.nounB1
Definition

a woman who comes from the Philippines, or whose family background is Filipino

Example

Amihan, a Filipina chef, opened a small bakery in Melbourne last spring.

appositive: a Filipina + occupation

The museum film introduced a Filipina who moved to Dubai for work.

Common collocations
  • young Filipina
  • Filipina chef
  • Filipina guide
  • Filipina student
  • proud Filipina
Synonyms
  • Filipino woman

    a neutral descriptive phrase with nearly the same meaning

  • Pinay

    informal and identity-centered; common in casual speech and self-reference

  • Philippine national

    formal or legal; does not specifically mark the person as female

Grammar Patterns

a Filipina

Filipina + role noun

Usage Note

Often chosen when the fact that the person is female matters or is being described directly. In many modern contexts, Filipino can be used more broadly, so Filipina makes the female identity explicit.

Common Mistakes

My roommate is Filipina.
My roommate is a Filipina.
Use an article when 'Filipina' is a singular countable noun.
She is a Philippine working in our office.
She is a Filipina working in our office.
'Philippine' usually describes things, not a person.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Filipina is the standard singular noun for a woman from the Philippines. 'Filipino woman' expresses nearly the same idea, but it is a longer descriptive phrase rather than a single demonym, so it often sounds more neutral and explanatory. 'Pinay' is informal and identity-centered; many Filipinos use it warmly in casual speech, media, or self-reference, but it can feel too personal in official writing. 'Philippine national' is the most formal option, especially in legal or immigration contexts, and it does not mark gender. In ordinary conversation and news writing, choose 'Filipina' when you want a clear, natural word that identifies both nationality and female identity.

Filipino womanPinayPhilippine national

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • young Filipina
  • proud Filipina

Prepositions

Etymology

SpanishEnglish

Filipina is the feminine form of Filipino. Filipino entered English through Spanish names for the Philippines, the island group named after King Philip II of Spain. The ending -a reflects a Spanish pattern for marking a female person, which is why Filipina specifically refers to a woman.