بابا
babaeveryday, Egypt
In Egyptian Arabic, children call their father بابا (baba). A more affectionate and modern form is بابي (babi).
Meaning: child's word for father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بابا | baba | everyday, Egypt |
| بابي | babi | affectionate, child |
Grown people also say بابا (baba) to their father. Talking about someone's father, Egyptians say أبويا (abuya), "my father".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal Arabic word is أب (ab), used in writing and on documents.
Did you know?
- بابا (baba) is one of the first words Egyptian children learn, along with ماما (mama).
Examples in context
- بابا جه من الشغلbaba geh men esh-shoghlDaddy came back from work.
- بحبك يا باباbaheb-bak ya babaI love you, Daddy.
- أبويا دكتورabuya doktorMy father is a doctor.
Example conversation
Little Salma greets her father Tarek at the door in Alexandria.
- Salmaبابا، إنت جيت!baba, enta gitDaddy, you are back!
- Tarekأيوه يا حبيبتيaywa ya habibatiYes, my dear.
- Salmaوحشتني أوي يا باباwahashtini awi ya babaI missed you so much, Daddy.
