μπαμπάς
bampás/baˈbas/masculine
The Greek word for dad is μπαμπάς (bampás).
The term μπαμπάς is used to refer to a father in an informal way.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
μπαμπάς is the informal term for dad, whereas πατέρας is the more formal term for father.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on how it is used in a sentence. Use the vocative form μπαμπά when you are addressing your father directly. To show possession or a relationship, such as 'dad's' or 'of dad', use the genitive form του μπαμπά.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bampás and the IPA is /baˈbas/.
Did you know?
- While μπαμπάς is used for 'dad', the unrelated word μπάμπω can refer to an old woman or a grandmother in some dialects. This stems from a Slavic origin rather than the Turkish one.
- The word μπαμπάς is actually an Ottoman Turkish loanword. It entered the Greek language from the Turkish word 'baba', rather than being a direct descendant of Ancient Greek terms.
- The word μπαμπάς shares a linguistic ancestor with 'baba' in many other languages across the Middle East and Asia.
Examples in context
- Είναι ο μπαμπάς στην κουζίνα;Is Dad in the kitchen?This sentence is useful for asking if μπαμπάς is in a specific location.Tatoeba #1498155 by glavkos, translation #5229074 by jaxhere
- Ο μπαμπάς γύρισε σπίτι νωρίς.Dad came home early.This sentence shows how to use μπαμπάς when describing an action.Tatoeba #4703649 by pinkmpnster, translation #4701374 by adamtrousers
- Ο μπαμπάς θέλει να μας δει.Dad wants to see us.This sentence demonstrates the use of μπαμπάς as a subject expressing a desire.Tatoeba #11207067 by carlosalberto, translation #11207058 by carlosalberto
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in the living room.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠού είναι ο μπαμπάς;Pou einai o babas;Where is dad?
- Νίκος NikosΟ μπαμπάς είναι στον κήπο.O babas einai ston kipo.Dad is in the garden.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘα έρθει σύντομα;Tha erthei sintoma;Will he come soon?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, ο μπαμπάς έρχεται τώρα.Nai, o babas ertetai tora.Yes, dad is coming now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries μπαμπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπαμπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
