tatko
masculine
The English word 'dad' translates to Slovak as tatko. Wiktionary also lists tatík.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Slovak | Note |
|---|---|
| tatko | masculine |
| tatík | masculine |
Both tatko and tatík are used in casual, familial settings.
Which one should you use?
The form tatík is even more affectionate and diminutive than tatko, similar to the English 'daddy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to dad' (e.g., 'give it to dad'), the form changes to tatkovi or tatíkovi depending on the noun used.
Did you know?
- There is a cultural tendency in Slovakia to use these diminutive forms even when an adult is speaking to their father, which might sound overly childish to an English ear.
- The word tatko shares a linguistic family with the English word 'father' through the Proto-Indo-European root for 'father', despite sounding quite different to a modern ear.
- Slovak has a very high number of diminutives for 'dad', allowing a person to express different levels of warmth, from standard tatko to the extremely sweet and tender tatinko.
Examples in context
- Ďakujem za všetko, otečko.Thank you for everything, dad.
- Čo robíš, tati?What are you doing, dad?
- Milujem ťa, tati.I love you, dad.
- Otecko, hrajme si spolu!Dad, let's play together!
- Otecko, vieš, že si najlepší?Dad, you know you're the best?
- Ocko, dáš mi niečo dobré na jedenie?Dad, will you give me something tasty to eat?
- Ocko, si môj superhrdina!Dad, you're my superhero!
- Tatko, môžeš mi pomôcť?Dad, can you help me?
Example conversation
Zuzana and Marek are talking about their family plans.
- ZuzanaKedy príde tvoj tatko domov?When is your dad coming home?
- MarekPríde až večer okolo siedmej.He won't come until evening around seven.
- ZuzanaChcem mu povedať jednu novinku.I want to tell him some news.
- MarekTak počkajme spolu na tatka.Then let's wait for dad together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
