Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| isi | /ˈisi/ |
| iskä | /ˈiskæ/ |
| isukki | /ˈisukːi/ |
| isäukko | /ˈisæˌukːo/ |
| faija | /ˈfɑi̯jɑ/ |
The terms provided are used to refer to a father in an informal or affectionate manner. While these words are common in family settings, the standard neutral word for father is isä.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ primarily in their level of familiarity and tone. isi is a diminutive, child-like term often translated as 'daddy'. iskä is a common way to say 'dad'. isukki is a colloquial term that can function as an affectionate nickname or, depending on context, a slightly patronizing way to refer to a father. faija is a slangy, colloquial term often used by adolescents or in very informal speech. isäukko is also a colloquial way to refer to a father.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The provided words are all informal. isi is the most familiar and child-like, while iskä is a standard informal term. isukki, isäukko and faija are colloquial or slangy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to dad' or 'for dad' using the common form iskä, you add the suffix -lle to create iskälle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈisi/
Did you know?
- In Finnish culture, the word ukko used in isäukko also refers to a thunder god in ancient mythology.
- The slang term faija is actually a loanword from the Swedish word 'far', which is the root for 'father'.
- While iskä is used for fathers, the same linguistic pattern creates the word äiskä to refer to a mother.
Examples in context
- Isi ei oo kotona.Dad isn't home.This sentence uses isi.Tatoeba #6584516 by Orava, translation #706999 by papabear
- Iskä, Mari löi mua!Dad, Mary hit me!This sentence uses iskä to address a father directly.Tatoeba #8620637 by Silja, translation #1156178 by belgavox
- Isi on äitiä vanhempi.Dad is older than mom.Tatoeba #10635269 by Silja, translation #8799962 by carlosalberto
- Minun isäni rakastaa kalastamista.My father loves fishing.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home, a daughter asks her brother about their father.
- MattiOnko isi jo tullut?Has dad arrived yet?
- AnnaEi, hän on vielä töissä.No, he is still at work.
- MattiIsi tulee varmaan pian.Dad will probably come soon.
- AnnaToivottavasti hän tulee pian.I hope he comes soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries isi, iskä, isukki, isäukko, faija, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isi, iskä, isukki, isäukko, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
