Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| па́па | pápa | masculine |
| тя́тя | tjátja | masculine, obsolete |
| ба́тя | bátja | masculine |
| ба́тюшка | bátjuška | masculine |
| па́почка | pápočka | masculine |
The term is used to refer to a father. While па́па is the standard and most common term used by both children and adults, other forms exist to change the level of affection or social register.
Which one should you use?
па́па is the neutral, standard way to say "dad". In contrast, па́почка is a diminutive form used to say "daddy" or to express endearment. ба́тя is a slang term, often translated as "dad" or "old man," used in a rougher or more casual way. ба́тюшка is an archaic and highly respectful form, frequently used in a religious context to address a priest. тя́тя is an obsolete masculine form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
па́па is the most common and neutral informal term. For high levels of endearment, use the diminutive па́почка (daddy). In casual or rough slang contexts, you might hear ба́тя (old man). For formal or religious settings, specifically when addressing a priest, the archaic ба́тюшка is appropriate. The term папуля is also an informal way to refer to a father.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
pápa
Did you know?
- Despite meaning 'dad' and referring to a male, па́па follows the same grammar rules as feminine nouns and takes feminine endings in various cases.
- In many Russian folk songs and historical stories, ба́тюшка is used as a poetic way to address the sun or even the Tsar.
- The slang term ба́тя is often used to describe a respected or 'alpha' figure in a group, not just a biological father.
Examples in context
- Привет, папа! Как твой день прошёл?Hi, dad! How was your day?
- Пап, ты можешь подвезти меня в школу?Dad, can you give me a ride to school?
- Спасибо, па, за то, что ты всегда поддерживаешь меня.Thank you, dad, for always supporting me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
