پدرجان
padar jan
The English word 'dad' can be translated into Dari as پدرجان (padar jan).
The form پدرجان is used as a direct address (vocative) when speaking to one's father, rather than just a noun to describe him.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While پدرجان is an affectionate way to address a father, پدر is the standard, more formal noun for father. Bābā is a very common, highly informal and affectionate way to say 'dad' in Dari.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Pedar is a formal way to say dad in Dari. Padar-jan is an informal term for dad in Dari. Bābā is an informal way to say dad in Dari.
How do you pronounce it?
padar jan
Did you know?
- The suffix جان in پدرجان literally means 'soul' or 'life'. Adding it to a family member's title transforms the word from a simple label into a term of deep endearment.
- In Afghanistan, it is common to use the term بابا not only for fathers but also as a term of respect for elderly men in the community who are not biological relatives.
- In some traditional Afghan households, children might avoid using بابا in front of outsiders, switching to the more formal پدر to show a higher level of public respect.
Examples in context
- پدرجان، لطفاً به من کمک کنید.pedar jan, lutfan ba man kumak konid.Dad, please help me.
- پدرجان همیشه مهربان است.pedar jan hamisha mehraban ast.Dad is always kind.
Example conversation
A daughter is talking to her brother in the living room.
- عمر Omarزینب، پدرجان آمد؟Zaynab, padar-jan amad?Zaynab, did dad come?
- زینب Zaynabبله، او در اتاق است.Bale, o dar utaq ast.Yes, he is in the room.
- عمر Omarبسیار خوب، من میروم.Besyar khub, man merum.Very good, I am going.
- زینب Zaynabمن هم میآیم.Man ham myayam.I am coming too.
