अब्बा
abbā/əb.bɑː/masculine
The English phrase "daddy" can be translated into Hindi using अब्बा (abbā). Wiktionary also lists बाबा (bābā) and बापू (bāpū).
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| अब्बा | abbā | /əb.bɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| बाबा | bābā | /bɑː.bɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| बापू | bāpū | /bɑː.puː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| पिताजी | pitājī | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a father. While some are informal or childish, others are used to show respect or are specific to certain dialects.
Which one should you use?
अब्बा is an informal term for daddy or papa that is often influenced by Urdu. बापू is an endearing and familiar term for dad, often associated with specific regional dialects or used as a respectful term for an elder or father figure. In contrast, पिताजी is a more respectful and standard way to say father.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Punjab, fathers are often addressed as पापा जी. The term बापू is also associated with specific regional dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
abbā (IPA: /əb.bɑː/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term बापू is not just a name for a father, but is famously used as a title of immense respect for Mahatma Gandhi, often referred to as 'the Father of the Nation'.
- The word बाबा is not only used for 'daddy' but can also be used to address a holy man or a spiritual teacher.
- While अब्बा is common in many households, it is specifically an Arabic-derived term that is more frequently used by speakers of Urdu or in Muslim communities within India.
Examples in context
- पापा, मुझे खाना बहुत पसंद है।Daddy, I love food!
- बापू, आपका आशीर्वाद मेरे ऊपर हमेशा बना रहे।Dad, may your blessings always be upon me.
- डैडी, मैं आपके साथ खेलना चाहता हूँ।Daddy, I want to play with you.
- अब्बा घर पर हैं।abbā ghar par haiṃ.Daddy is at home.
- मेरे अब्बा बहुत अच्छे हैं।mere abbā bahut achhe haiṃ.My daddy is very good.
Example conversation
A daughter asks her brother about their father.
- नेहा Nehaआदित्य, क्या अब्बा आ गए?āditya, kyā abbā ā gae?Aditya, is daddy back?
- आदित्य Adityaनहीं, नेहा, अभी नहीं आए।nahīṃ, nehā, abhī nahīṃ āe.No, Neha, he hasn't come yet.
- नेहा Nehaअब्बा को जल्दी आना चाहिए।abbā ko jaldī ānā chāhiye.Daddy should come soon.
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, वह काम से आ रहे होंगे।hāṃ, vah kām se ā rahe hoṅge.Yes, he must be coming from work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries अब्बा, बाबा, बापू, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
