पापा
pāpāeveryday, affectionate
The most common Hindi word for dad is पापा (pāpā). A more respectful form is पिताजी (pitājī), and some families say बाबूजी (bābūjī).
Meaning: father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| पापा | pāpā | everyday, affectionate |
| पिताजी | pitājī | respectful, formal |
| बाबूजी | bābūjī | traditional, respectful |
Children use पापा when speaking to their father and about him. पिताजी is also used in writing and when talking about someone else's father, as in आपके पिताजी (āpke pitājī), "your father".
How does it change in a sentence?
The respectful suffix -जी (-jī) is added to family terms to show respect. English-style डैड (ḍaiḍ) is heard in cities and in films.
Did you know?
- Hindi speakers use the polite आप (āp) for their father, even in a warm home, so पापा, आप कहाँ हैं? is normal.
Examples in context
- मेरे पिताजी डॉक्टर हैं।mere pitājī ḍākṭar haiṃ.My father is a doctor.
Example conversation
Aman talks to his dad before leaving for school.
- Amanपापा, मुझे स्कूल छोड़ दीजिए।pāpā, mujhe skūl choṛ dījie.Dad, please drop me at school.
- Dadठीक है, जल्दी तैयार हो जाओ।ṭhīk hai, jaldī taiyār ho jāo.Okay, get ready quickly.
- Amanमैं तैयार हूँ, पापा।maiṃ taiyār hūṁ, pāpā.I am ready, Dad.
