爸爸
pa-pa
In Hokkien, the English phrase "dad" is translated as 爸爸 (pa-pa).
爸爸 is an informal way to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kaohsiung, the term 阿爹 (A-tiā) is occasionally used to refer to dad.
How do you pronounce it?
pa-pa
Did you know?
- In certain traditional Hokkien-speaking communities, a son might refer to his father as 老爸 (Láu-pā), which literally translates to 'old dad' but is used as a respectful or familiar title.
- In certain Hokkien-speaking communities, the term for father is used as a general honorary title for any older man of a certain social standing, regardless of blood relation.
- In some traditional Hokkien households, children avoid calling their father 爸爸 directly to show respect, instead referring to him in the third person or using a title based on his rank in the family.
Examples in context
- 爸爸生日快樂！Happy birthday, Dad!
Example conversation
Xiao Wen and Jia Hao are talking about a family photo.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun這是你的爸爸嗎？che sī lí ê pappà mǎ?Is this your dad?
- 家豪 Ka-hao對，他很帥吧？tùi, i chin súi pa?Yes, he's very handsome, right?
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun真的，他看起來很年輕。chin-siá, i khòah-khì lâng chin niâⁿ-sûn.Really, he looks very young.
- 家豪 Ka-hao謝謝妳的稱讚。chiok-siā lí ê chheng-chàn.Thank you for the compliment.
