papi
affectionate, Cuba
Daddy in Cuban Spanish is papi. A younger child may also say papito and everyone can use the plain papá.
Meaning: affectionate word for father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| papi | affectionate, Cuba |
| papá | neutral |
| papito | affectionate |
Papi is what small children say to their father. In casual speech it is also a friendly word between couples, so context matters.
Which one should you use?
Papá is the neutral form for any age. Papi sounds more tender and informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -ito makes a word smaller and sweeter, so papito is "little dad" in spirit.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers use papi for dads and also as an endearment, so the meaning depends on who says it.
Examples in context
- Papi, ven a jugar conmigo.Daddy, come play with me.
- Mi papito me llevó a la playa.My daddy took me to the beach.
- Papá, ya llegué.Dad, I am here.
Example conversation
Little Lázaro greets his father Mario when he comes home in Havana.
- LázaroPapi, llegaste.Daddy, you are here.
- MarioSí, mi hijo. ¿Cómo estás?Yes, my son. How are you?
- LázaroBien, papi. ¿Jugamos?Good, daddy. Shall we play?
