papa
/pa.pa/masculine
papa is the French word for dad.
The term papa is used as an informal and affectionate way to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While papa is an affectionate term for dad, the word père is the more standard and formal term for father.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a way that is similar to how English speakers use the word Dad, papa is often used without an article, such as le, when you are addressing him directly or referring to him as a proper name.
How do you pronounce it?
/pa.pa/
Did you know?
- The phrase papa poule literally means 'hen dad' and is used to describe a father who is overly protective or fussing over his children.
- French possesses several slang terms for 'dad' beyond papa, such as le daron, which originally referred to the head of a household or a landlord.
- The origin of papa comes from 'child-speak', which means it was never a formal Latin-based word but a sound-imitation used by toddlers.
Examples in context
- Où est papa ?Where is dad?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of papa.Tatoeba #6140792 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6140593 by Barra
- Demande à papa !Ask dad!This sentence shows how to direct someone to ask papa a question.Tatoeba #6837387 by GB3, translation #4257206 by Velosareon
- Où vas-tu, papa ?Where are you going, Dad?This sentence shows how to address papa directly when asking where he is going.Tatoeba #7098094 by Micsmithel, translation #35117 by gin
- Mon père est un homme aimant et attentionné.My dad is a loving and caring man.
- Le père de mon ami est un homme d'affaires prospère.My friend's dad is a successful businessman.
- Papa, je t'aime tellement !Dad, I love you so much!
- Viens ici, papa chéri !Come here, dearest dad!
- Mon papa est un véritable papa poule.My dad is a real doting father.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two children are waiting in the living room for their father to arrive.
- NathanEst-ce que papa est là ?Is dad here?
- ManonNon, il n'est pas encore là.No, he is not here yet.
- NathanPapa va arriver bientôt, je suis sûr.Dad will arrive soon, I am sure.
- ManonOui, Nathan, attendons encore un peu.Yes, Nathan, let's wait a little longer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries papa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
