טאַטע
tate[ˈtotə]masculine
The Yiddish word for dad is טאַטע (tate).
טאַטע is an informal noun used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
טאַטע is the informal way to say dad, whereas פֿאָטער is the more formal term for father.
How does it change in a sentence?
טאַטע is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
tate
Did you know?
- While טאַטע means 'dad', it is also used as a general term of endearment or a plea for mercy when addressing God, similar to saying 'Father' in a prayer.
- The word טאַטע likely comes from a Slavic language, descending from the Proto-Slavic word *tata.
- In some Yiddish-speaking households, the word for 'dad' is used as a respectful way to address any elder male in a community, not just a biological father.
Examples in context
- ער איז איר טאַטע.He's her dad.This sentence shows how to say he is her dad using טאַטע.Tatoeba #8697278 by shekitten, translation #8479915 by CH
- איך בין אַ טאַטע.I'm a dad.This sentence shows how to say I am a dad using טאַטע.Tatoeba #11926669 by shekitten, translation #8397749 by CK
- דו ביסט מײַן טאַטע.You're my dad.This sentence shows how to say you are my dad using טאַטע.Tatoeba #12078784 by shekitten, translation #12080224 by shekitten
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A daughter is asking her brother about their father's location.
- בערל Berelוואו איז טאַטע?Vu iz tate?Where is dad?
- רייזל Reizelער איז אין דעם צימער.Er iz in dem tsimer.He is in the room.
- בערל Berelאיך דארף רעדן מיט טאַטע.Ikh darf redn mit tate.I need to talk to dad.
- רייזל Reizelגיי דאן רעדן מיט אים.Gey dan redn mit im.Then go talk to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries טאַטע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries טאַטע, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
