noun
kuya
noun
1
In Filipino usage, an older brother, or a respectful term used to address or refer to an older male, whether or not he's actually a relative.
"She asked her kuya to walk her to school."
"The younger staff all called the head chef 'Kuya' out of respect."
How to Use Kuya
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warm, respectful Filipino term for an older brother or older male friend.
UK vs US
Not used outside Filipino or Filipino-influenced English contexts.
Word Forms
kuyas plural
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She asked her _____ to walk her to school.
Etymology
From Tagalog kuya, ultimately from a Hokkien Chinese term for an elder brother.