pai
/ˈpaj/masculine
The English word 'dad' translates to Portuguese as pai. Wiktionary also lists papá and papai.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papá | /paˈpa/ (Brazil) /pɐˈpa/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| papai | /paˈpaj/ (Brazil) /pɐˈpaj/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| pai | /ˈpaj/ (Brazil) /ˈpaj/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The term pai is the most common term used for 'dad' across Brazil. For a more endearing or affectionate tone, similar to 'daddy' in English, you can use papai.
Which one should you use?
While pai means dad, papai is a more affectionate term equivalent to 'daddy'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Papai is a slightly more endearing variation of pai, often used by children or in affectionate conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In São Paulo, the term paizão is often used as an endearing way to refer to one's dad.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Portuguese, it is common to use the definite article before the possessive adjective, such as o meu pai (the my dad). Additionally, when saying 'of the dad' or 'my dad's', you must contract the preposition de with the article o to form do.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaj/
Did you know?
- In certain Brazilian contexts, pai can be used as a slang term of endearment between close male friends, similar to how 'pop' or 'dude' might be used in English.
- The term papá is a loanword from French. It is more common in Portugal than in Brazil, where papai is preferred.
- In Brazil, the term paizão uses the suffix -ão, which usually makes things larger. Here, it doesn't mean the father is physically big, but that he has a 'big' or great heart.
Examples in context
- Ela ama o pai.She loves her dad.This sentence is useful for showing how to use pai to express affection.Tatoeba #2814832 by alexmarcelo, translation #2807602 by Hybrid
- Tom é o meu pai.Tom is my dad.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as pai.Tatoeba #4885716 by Ricardo14, translation #2273298 by CK
- Direi ao meu pai.I'll tell my dad!This sentence is useful for expressing an intention regarding pai.Tatoeba #2179098 by MarlonX19, translation #2179069 by Hybrid
- Oi, pai, como o senhor está?Hello, dad, how are you?
- Papai, você é o melhor!Dad, you're the best!
- Papai véi, bora jogar futebol?Hey, dad, let's play soccer?
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are talking about their families at school.
- LucasO seu pai é médico?Is your father a doctor?
- MarianaNão, o meu pai é engenheiro.No, my father is an engineer.
- LucasEntendi. O meu pai também é engenheiro.I see. My father is an engineer too.
- MarianaQue coincidência!What a coincidence!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries papá, papai, pai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pai, papai, papá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
