pa
In Afrikaans, the English phrase 'dad' is translated as pa. Wiktionary also lists papa.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Afrikaans |
|---|
| pa |
| papa |
These terms are used as informal nouns to refer to a father.
Which one should you use?
While pa is the most common informal way to say 'dad' or 'father', the form pappa is a more affectionate or diminutive variant equivalent to 'daddy' in English. The spelling with two p's is often used to reflect this more affectionate pronunciation.
Did you know?
- When referring to a grandfather, Afrikaans speakers often combine words to create opa or oupa. This effectively means 'old father' or 'old dad'.
- In Afrikaans, the phrase pa en ma is a common set expression used to describe 'parents' as a unit. Rather than using a single word for parents, the language prefers to list both figures.
- The term pappa is not only used for fathers but is also a common baby-talk word for other male caregivers. It is often one of the first words a child learns to speak in South Africa.
Examples in context
- Wat doen jy, pappa?What are you doing, Dad?This sentence is useful for seeing how to address your pa.Tatoeba #5494409 by CJuser01, translation #64110 by CK
- Jy ken nie my pa nie, doen jy?You don't know my dad, do you?This sentence is useful for referring to one's pa.Tatoeba #2783378 by Diablofire, translation #1886399 by CK
- Waar is my pa?Where is my dad?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of one's pa.Tatoeba #1784091 by wwkudu, translation #595504 by CK
- Ek het my vader liefI love my father
- Dankie, pappaThank you, dad
- Pa, kan ek jou iets vra?Dad, can I ask you something?
- Dankie, pappie, dat jy altyd daar is vir myThank you, daddy, for always being there for me
- Paps, kan ek geld leen?Dad, can I borrow some money?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anika and Andries are talking about a family visit.
- AnikaKom ons gaan vir my pa bel.Let's call my dad.
- AndriesSal jou pa huistoe kom?Will your dad come home?
- AnikaJa, hy is reeds op pad.Yes, he is already on his way.
- AndriesDis goed, ek sal vir hom kook.That is good, I will cook for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries pa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
