papá
/paˈpa/masculine
The English word "dad" translates to Spanish as papá.
papá is the most common and neutral term for "dad" in Spanish. Other informal, affectionate alternatives include papito and the endearing term papi, which is often used by children.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While papá is the informal equivalent of "dad", the term padre is the more formal way to say "father".
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpa/
Did you know?
- While papá is used for 'dad', the word papa without the accent mark refers to 'the Pope' or 'potato', which can lead to humorous confusion if the stress is misplaced.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term papi is frequently used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a boyfriend, not just for a father.
- The term papito is often used by parents to address their own young sons, meaning the word for 'little dad' is used for a child.
Examples in context
- Amo a mi papá.I love my dad.This sentence shows how to express love for your papá.Tatoeba #3169823 by marcelostockle, translation #2549728 by CK
- Tom es mi papá.Tom is my dad.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your papá.Tatoeba #2344904 by hayastan, translation #2273298 by CK
- Papá se puso bueno.Dad got better.This sentence shows a situation where papá recovered his health.Tatoeba #1370337 by Shishir, translation #10465403 by DJ_Saidez
- Buenos días, papá.Good morning, dad.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is asking Lucía about her family.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está tu papá?Where is your dad?
- LucíaMi papá está trabajando hoy.My dad is working today.
- Alejandro¿Cuándo regresa a casa?When does he come home?
- LucíaÉl llega a las seis.He arrives at six.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries papá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
