μπαμπάς
bampás/baˈbas/
The English word 'daddy' is translated into Greek as μπαμπάς (bampás).
The term μπαμπάς is used to mean 'dad' or 'daddy'. It is the most common way for children to refer to their father.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While μπαμπάς is an informal and affectionate term, the word πατέρας is the formal term used in official contexts or more serious speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
μπαμπάς is an informal word. While it serves as the standard informal way to say 'dad', it is typically used by children.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing your father directly as 'daddy', the word changes from μπαμπάς to the vocative form μπαμπά.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of μπαμπάς is /baˈbas/ (bampás).
Did you know?
- The word μπαμπάς was borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish word 'baba'.
- In Greek culture, μπαμπάς is used by children, but adults often continue using it to express a deep emotional bond with their father.
Examples in context
- Ο μπαμπάς μου είναι πολύ ψηλός.O mpampas mou einai poly psilos.My daddy is very tall.
- Πού είναι ο μπαμπάς σου;Pou einai o mpampas sou;Where is your daddy?
- Ο μπαμπάς μου αγοράζει παιχνίδια.O mpampas mou agorazei paixnidia.My daddy buys toys.
Example conversation
A young child is talking to his older sister about their father.
- Νίκος NikosΕλένη, ο μπαμπάς μου είναι εδώ!Eleni, o mpampas mou einai edo!Eleni, my daddy is here!
- Ελένη EleniΝίκο, ο μπαμπάς μας είναι στον κήπο.Niko, o mpampas mas einai ston kipo.Nikos, our daddy is in the garden.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω να παίξω με τον μπαμπά.Thelo na paixo me ton mpapa.I want to play with daddy.
- Ελένη EleniΠάμε να τον βρούμε μαζί.Pame na ton vroume mazi.Let's go find him together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry μπαμπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπαμπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
