papá
everyday, Cuba
Dad in Cuba is papá, and children also say papi to be affectionate. Mi viejo is a casual way to talk about your dad. It is also called viejo.
Meaning: father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| papá | everyday, Cuba |
| viejo | casual, slang |
| papi | affectionate |
Papá is the standard word for talking to or about a father. Papi is warmer and common with younger children.
Which one should you use?
Viejo literally means old and is casual and fond when a grown child says mi viejo. It is not for addressing a stranger.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural papás can mean dads or parents together.
Did you know?
- Viejo and vieja are widely used in Latin America as affectionate words for parents.
Examples in context
- Mi papá trabaja en el puerto.My dad works at the port.
- Papi, ayúdame con la tarea.Daddy, help me with homework.
- Mi viejo cocina muy bien.My dad cooks very well.
Example conversation
Yaima asks her father Orlando for help at home in Holguín.
- YaimaPapá, ¿me ayudas con esto?Dad, can you help me with this?
- OrlandoClaro, mi niña.Of course, sweetheart.
- YaimaGracias, papi.Thanks, daddy.
