pai
/ˈpaj/masculine
The English phrase "dad" can be translated into Portuguese as pai, papai or papá.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pai | /ˈpaj/ (Brazil) /ˈpaj/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| papá | /paˈpa/ (Brazil) /pɐˈpa/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| papai | /paˈpaj/ (Brazil) /pɐˈpaj/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
Which one should you use?
pai is the standard, neutral term used for both "father" and "dad" in most contexts. papai is a more affectionate form, serving as the equivalent of the English "daddy". papá is another familiar masculine form used for a father.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pai can be used in informal settings to convey closeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaj/
Did you know?
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, pai is used not just for biological fathers but as a term of deep respect for mentors or elder figures.
- The term papá likely has an onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the natural babbling sounds infants make.
Examples in context
- Ela ama o pai.She loves her dad.This sentence shows how to use pai to express affection for a father.Tatoeba #2814832 by alexmarcelo, translation #2807602 by Hybrid
- Tom é o meu pai.Tom is my dad.This sentence uses pai to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #4885716 by Ricardo14, translation #2273298 by CK
- Direi ao meu pai.I'll tell my dad!This sentence shows how to use pai when referring to a person one will speak to.Tatoeba #2179098 by MarlonX19, translation #2179069 by Hybrid
- Meu pai é o meu herói.My dad is my hero.
- Eu amo o meu papai.I love my dad.
- Pai, o almoço está pronto!Dad, lunch is ready!
- Obrigado, paizinho, por todo o seu apoio.Thank you, dad, for all your support.
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are talking about their families.
- GabrielVocê viu o meu pai?Have you seen my dad?
- MarianaSim, ele está no jardim.Yes, he is in the garden.
- GabrielVou falar com o meu pai agora.I'm going to talk to my dad now.
- MarianaTudo bem, Gabriel.That's fine, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries pai, papá, papai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pai, papai, papá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
