та́то
tátomasculine
The English phrase "dad" is translated into Ukrainian as та́то (táto). Wiktionary also lists тату́сь (tatúsʹ) and та́тко (tátko).
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| та́то | táto | masculine |
| тату́сь | tatúsʹ | masculine |
| та́тко | tátko | masculine |
| не́ньо | nénʹo | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a father. The most formal way to refer to a father is Батько.
Which one should you use?
та́то is the standard, neutral way to say "dad" or "father". та́тко is a slightly more endearing or diminutive form, and тату́сь is a more affectionate diminutive equivalent to "daddy". не́ньо is also a masculine form used for a father.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Батько is the formal way to say "dad". тату́сь is an informal, affectionate version similar to "daddy".
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
táto
Did you know?
- Ukrainian speakers often use the diminutive тату́сь not just for children, but as an affectionate term for their fathers well into adulthood.
- While та́то is the standard word for 'dad', using the formal Батько in a casual setting can sometimes sound coldly clinical or even distancing, as if you are speaking about a stranger.
- The term батько can occasionally be used as a respectful title for a spiritual father or a mentor, not just a biological parent.
Examples in context
- Мій батькоMy dad
- Я люблю свого батькаI love my father
- Батько, дякую за всеDad, thank you for everything
- Тато, я тебе так сильно люблюDad, I love you so much
- Найкращий батько на світіThe best dad in the world
- Мій та́то працює в лікарні.Mii ta-to pratsyuie v likarni.My dad works in a hospital.
- Та́то зараз купує хліб.Ta-to zaraz kupuye khlib.Dad is buying bread right now.
Example conversation
Olena and Dmytro are talking about family members at home.
- Олена OlenaДе твій та́то, Дмитре?De tvii ta-to, Dmytre?Where is your dad, Dmytro?
- Дмитро DmytroМій та́то пішов у сад.Mii ta-to pishov u sad.My dad went to the garden.
- Олена OlenaВін часто там буває.Vin chasto tam buvae.He is often there.
- Дмитро DmytroТак, він любить природу.Tak, vin lyubyt pryrodu.Yes, he loves nature.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
