та́тко
tátkomasculine
The English word "daddy" translates to Bulgarian as та́тко (tátko).
та́тко is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a father, often used by children.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word та́тко is an affectionate term for "daddy", whereas баща is the standard, neutral word for "father". Additionally, Тате is another casual and familiar way to say "daddy".
How do you pronounce it?
tátko
Did you know?
- In Bulgarian culture, calling your father та́тко or тате often continues well into adulthood, whereas using the formal баща in a private home can signal a serious conflict or a cold distance.
- The suffix -ко in та́тко is a productivity tool in Bulgarian that transforms a neutral noun into an endearing one, similar to how English speakers might add 'y' to 'dog' to make 'doggy'.
- In certain Bulgarian regions, a father might be called something that translates closer to 'old man' rather than the sweet 'daddy' found in cities.
Examples in context
- Татко, искам да те попитам нещо.Daddy, I want to ask you something.
- Тате, хайде да си играем заедно.Daddy, let's play together.
Example conversation
A young girl is talking to her father in the living room.
- Виктория ViktoriyaТа́тко, погледни какво нарисувах!Tatko, pogledni kakvo narisuvah!Daddy, look what I drew!
- Димитър DimitarТова е прекрасен рисунок, Виктория.Tova e prekrasen risunok, Viktoriya.That is a wonderful drawing, Viktoria.
- Виктория ViktoriyaБлагодаря ти, та́тко!Blagodarya ti, tatko!Thank you, daddy!
- Димитър DimitarСега го сложи на масата.Sega go slozhi na masata.Now put it on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
