tată
[ˈta.tə]masculine
The Romanian word for dad is tată.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
tată is the standard term for father, whereas tatăl is the specific form used when referring to 'the father' in a sentence.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While tată is the standard word, tati is a more affectionate and informal way to say 'dad' or 'daddy'. The term taică is also used in informal situations to say 'dad', but it can be used affectionately to address an older person one feels close to, such as an uncle or grandfather.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using tată with a definite article (the), the word changes to tatăl. To say 'my dad', you use the form tatăl meu. Additionally, the word changes to tatălui when it is the indirect object of a sentence, such as when saying 'to/for the dad'.
Did you know?
- The Romanian word tată is a linguistic survivor from the Latin word tata and shares an ancient root with the Albanian word tatë.
- In Romanian culture, the affectionate term tati is often used by adults when speaking to their fathers to maintain a sense of childhood warmth.
- The term taică can carry a slightly rustic or old-fashioned tone compared to the more modern, urban tată.
Examples in context
- Tatăl meu este ocupat.My dad is busy.This sentence is useful for practicing the form tată.Tatoeba #6856231 by CataG, translation #4787511 by Joseph
- Ce mai face tatăl tău?How is your dad?Tatoeba #11163041 by fathe, translation #953331 by CK
- Își ajută tatăl la fermă.He helps his dad out on the farm.Tatoeba #8002829 by CataG, translation #7388565 by CH
- Salut, taică! Cum a fost ziua ta?Hello, dad! How was your day?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ioana and Andrei are talking about their parents.
- IoanaUnde este tatăl tău acum?Where is your dad now?
- AndreiTatăl meu a plecat la serviciu.My dad went to work.
- IoanaSe întoarce acasă repede?Is he coming home soon?
- AndreiDa, vine în două ore.Yes, he is coming in two hours.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries tată, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tată, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
