Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| isi | /ˈisi/ | |
| iskä | /ˈiskæ/ | |
| isukki | /ˈisukːi/ | |
| faija | /ˈfɑi̯jɑ/ | slang |
| fatsi | /ˈfɑtsi/ | slang |
All these terms are used to refer to a father in an informal or non-formal way. While some are used by children, others are used by adults in slang or to be playful.
Which one should you use?
The forms vary significantly in their nuance. isi is the most common way for very young children to address their father, whereas iskä is a slightly more mature informal way to say 'dad'. The term isukki is a playful or diminutive form used for teasing or affection. Finally, the slang terms faija and fatsi are used by older speakers, such as adolescents, to refer to a father in a very colloquial manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
isi is familiar. iskä is a standard informal term. isukki is a colloquial, playful term. faija is colloquial slang often used by young adults, and fatsi is a highly informal slang term similar to the English 'old man'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈisi/
Did you know?
- The slang term faija is linguistically related to muija, a word used to describe a woman, girlfriend or 'chick'.
- While isi is the standard term for children, an adult using it may be perceived as intentionally regressive or acting like a child.
Examples in context
- Missä mun isi on?Where's my daddy?This sentence shows how to use isi when asking about a father's location.Tatoeba #3350720 by Silja, translation #2254634 by CK
- Isi, mitä sinä teet siellä?Daddy, what are you doing there?This sentence demonstrates using isi to address a father directly.Tatoeba #9788107 by Johannes_S, translation #8986707 by mccarras
- Isi, voinko mennä ulos leikkimään?Daddy, may I go out and play?This sentence shows how to use isi when asking for permission.Tatoeba #9865661 by Johannes_S, translation #789773 by CK
- Hei isi, mitä kuuluu tänään?Hey dad, how are you today?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia is asking her father for help with a toy.
- MikkoKuka siellä on?Who is there?
- SofiaTäällä on isi!Daddy is here!
- MikkoAutatko minua, isi?Will you help me, daddy?
- SofiaTotta kai autan, Sofia.Of course I will help, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries isi, iskä, isukki, faija, fatsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faija, isi, iskä, isukki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
