Philippines, Filipino, Pilipino, Pinoy: What's the Difference?

These words get mixed up all the time. Here's a simple guide.

Philippines

The name of the country. It comes from 'Las Islas Filipinas,' named after King Philip II of Spain.

Pilipinas

The country's name in Filipino.

Filipino

The people, the national language, or anything from the Philippines: Filipino food, Filipino history.

Filipina

Used for a Filipino woman.

Pilipino

The Filipino-language form of 'Filipino.' Older language laws used 'Pilipino' for the national language before 'Filipino' was adopted.

Pinoy and Pinay

Informal, affectionate terms Filipinos use for themselves.

Filipinx

A gender-inclusive term used by some in the US diaspora. Its use is debated.

Bottom line

Philippines is the place. Filipino is the people and the language. Pinoy is how we say it with love.

Wear the story

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