papá
standard
In Puerto Rico "dad" is papá. Very often people say papi, and some say viejo in a casual way.
Meaning: father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| papá | standard |
| viejo | casual |
| papi | affectionate, Puerto Rico |
Papi is affectionate and used by children and adults alike for their father. The plural papás can mean both parents.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Viejo is casual and can sound rude if said to an older man you do not know. It is fine for a son talking about his own father in a loving way.
Did you know?
- In Puerto Rico papi is common even among adult men and women talking to their fathers.
Examples in context
- Mi papá trabaja en San Juan.My dad works in San Juan.
- Papi, ¿me ayudas?Dad, can you help me?
- Voy a ver a mi viejo.I am going to see my old man.
Example conversation
Christian calls his father Papi Ángel to ask for a ride from school in Caguas.
- ChristianPapi, ¿me puedes recoger?Dad, can you pick me up?
- Papi ÁngelSí, voy para allá.Yes, I am on my way.
- ChristianGracias, papi.Thanks, dad.
