What's the Tagalog word for sister?

How to say 'sister' in Tagalog? Depends on whether it's an older or younger sister.

ate (pronounced AH-hteh)
older sister

ang ate ko
my older sister

Nasaan ang ate mo?
Where's your older sister?

Nasa bahay ang ate ko.
My sister's at home.


The word kapatid can refer to either a younger sister or younger brother. It's a generic term for a sibling.

ang kapatid ko
my younger sister/brother

Kyut ng kapatid mo.
Your younger sister's cute.

Hanapin mo ang kapatid mo.
Look for your younger sister.