بابا
bābā/bɑː.bɑː/masculine
The English phrase 'dad' translates to Urdu using several forms, most commonly بابا (bābā). Wiktionary also lists اَبّا (abbā) and باپ (bāp).
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| بابا | bābā | /bɑː.bɑː/ (Standard, Urdu) | masculine |
| اَبّا | abbā | masculine | |
| باپ | bāp | /bɑːp/ (Standard, Urdu) | masculine |
| دادا | dādā | /d̪ɑː.d̪ɑː/ (Standard, Urdu) | masculine |
In many Urdu-speaking households, ابو is a very common and standard way to say 'dad'. بابا is a common, affectionate way for children to address their father.
Which one should you use?
The word دادا does not mean 'dad' in Urdu. It means paternal grandfather.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
بابا is an informal and affectionate term for 'dad'. ابو is a popular informal term for 'dad'. The word والد is a formal way to say 'dad' and translates to 'father' in English. باپ is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
bābā (IPA: /bɑː.bɑː/)
Did you know?
- While بابا is used for 'dad' in Urdu, it is also the standard word for 'saint' or 'holy man' in many South Asian Sufi traditions.
- The word باپ is an inherited descendant of the Prakrit word bappa, which highlights a deep historical link to ancient Indo-Aryan languages.
- Although باپ means 'father', using it as a direct address to one's own father is rare in modern Urdu households, where ابو or بابا are preferred.
Examples in context
- بابا ، آپ کیسے ہیں؟Dad, how are you?
- معاف کیجئے گا، ابو۔Sorry, Dad.
- میرے بابا گھر پر ہیں۔mere baba ghar par hain.My dad is at home.
- کیا آپ کے بابا ٹھیک ہیں؟kya aap ke baba theek hain?Is your dad okay?
- بابا، مجھے بھوک لگی ہے۔baba, mujhe bhook lagi hai.Dad, I am hungry.
Example conversation
Ali and Aisha are talking about their father's arrival.
- علی Aliکیا بابا گھر آگئے؟Kya baba ghar aa gaye?Did dad come home?
- عائشہ Ayeshaہاں، وہ ابھی پہنچے۔Haan, woh abhi pahuñchay.Yes, he just arrived.
- علی Aliمیں بابا سے ملنے جاتا ہوں۔Main baba se milne jata hoon.I am going to meet dad.
- عائشہ Ayeshaٹھیک ہے، چلو چلیں۔Theek hai, chalo chalein.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries بابا, باپ, دادا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بابا, باپ, دادا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
