How to Say "Dad" in Dutch - How To Say Guide

papa

/ˈpɑ.paː/

The Dutch word for dad is papa.

papa is used as an informal way to refer to a father.

Meaning: informal: a father (noun)

Which one should you use?

While papa is the informal equivalent used for a dad, vader is the more formal or standard term for father.

papa is an informal term. You may also encounter pap, which is a common, slightly more colloquial shortening used in many Dutch families.

The pronunciation is /ˈpɑ.paː/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st of 2 syllables.

The Dutch word pap also happens to be the word for 'porridge' or 'mush', which might lead to some funny linguistic coincidences in a household.
The word papa was borrowed into Dutch from the French word papa.
If you use the formal vader instead of papa when talking to your own father, it might sound like you are being intentionally distant or even joking.

Mijn papa zei nee.
My dad said no.
This sentence shows how to use papa in a simple statement.
Tatoeba #997413 by martinod, translation #6177598 by sundown
Vraag het aan papa!
Ask dad!
This sentence shows how to use papa when giving an instruction.
Tatoeba #8686079 by Micsmithel, translation #4257206 by Velosareon
Jij bent mijn papa.
You're my dad.
This sentence shows how to use papa to identify a relationship.
Tatoeba #8952337 by PaulP, translation #12080224 by shekitten
Ik hou van je, vader.
I love you, dad.
Hey pap, hoe was je dag?
Hey dad, how was your day?
Kom bij me zitten, vadertje.
Come sit with me, dad.
48 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two siblings are looking for their father in the living room.

Daan

Julia, heb jij papa gezien?
Julia, have you seen dad?
Julia

Nee, Daan, ik heb hem niet gezien.
No, Daan, I haven't seen him.
Daan

Ik hoop dat papa snel thuiskomt.
I hope dad comes home soon.
Julia

Hij is waarschijnlijk nog bij de supermarkt.
He is probably still at the supermarket.

Sources

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