та́тко
tátkomasculine
The Bulgarian word for 'dad' is та́тко (tátko).
та́тко is used as an affectionate and informal way to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While та́тко is the affectionate term for 'dad', the word баща is the standard and more formal term for 'father'.
How do you pronounce it?
tátko
Did you know?
- If you hear an older Bulgarian person call out Татко!, they might not be looking for their father, but rather calling out to an old friend or a man in a friendly, albeit slightly old-fashioned, way.
- While та́тко is affectionate, calling your father баща in a casual home setting can sound cold or imply a serious conflict.
- In Bulgarian, adding the suffix -ко to a word, as in та́тко, is a common way to create a diminutive that expresses endearment.
Examples in context
- Татко, бих искал да ти благодаря за всичко.Dad, I would like to thank you for everything.
- Тате, можеш ли да ми помогнеш с домашното?Dad, can you help me with my homework?
Example conversation
Victoria is asking her brother about their father.
- Димитър DimitarВиктория, видя ли та́тко?Viktoriya, vidya li tatko?Victoria, did you see dad?
- Виктория ViktoriyaНе, Димитър, не го видях.Ne, Dimitar, ne go vidyah.No, Dimitar, I didn't see him.
- Димитър DimitarМисля, че та́тко е в градината.Mislya, che tatko e v gradinata.I think dad is in the garden.
- Виктория ViktoriyaЩе отида да го потърся.Shte otida da go potarsya.I will go look for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
