baba
The Shona word for dad is baba.
The term is used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word Tata is used specifically as an informal way to say dad.
Did you know?
- In some Shona contexts, a man may be called baba followed by the name of his first-born child, such as baba [name], to identify him socially.
- The word baba is part of a wider pattern in Bantu languages where many core kinship terms are reduplicated, meaning the syllable is repeated to create the word.
- The term baba is frequently used in the phrase baba vangu to show deep respect, as referring to a father simply as baba can sometimes be considered too blunt in traditional settings.
Examples in context
- Baba vangu vari kuenda kumusango.My dad is going to the field.
- Baba vangu vanodzidzisa zvakanaka.My dad teaches very well.
- Baba vangu vari pano.My dad is here.
Example conversation
Ruvimbo and Kudzai are talking about their families.
- RuvimboKudzai, baba vako vari kupi?Kudzai, where is your dad?
- KudzaiBaba vangu vari kumubhedhi.My dad is in bed.
- RuvimboBaba vako vari kuneta?Is your dad tired?
- KudzaiHongu, baba vangu vanoda kuzorora.Yes, my dad wants to rest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry baba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
