BATA

Make a clear distinction between bata and anak.

bata
a child

anak
someone's child


Matalino ang bata.
The child is smart.

Matalino ang anak ko.
My child is smart.


mga bata
children

mga anak ko
my children


pilyong bata
a bratty child

batang lansangan
homeless child

batang lalaki
male child, boy

batang babae
female child, girl


The Tagalog word bata is also used as an adjective meaning 'young.'

batang-bata
very young


Noong bata pa ako...
When I was still young...


Ang kasalungat ng salitang bata ay matanda.
The opposite of the word young is old.