apa
[ˈɒpɒ]
The English phrase 'daddy' is translated into Hungarian as apa.
apa is an informal noun used to refer to a father, often in a childish or affectionate manner.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'my daddy', you can use the diminutive form apuka with the possessive suffix '-m' to create apukám.
Did you know?
- The word 'apa' is thought to have roots in Turkic languages, specifically the Old Turkic word 𐰯𐰀, which also means 'father'.
- Unlike English, where 'daddy' is almost exclusively used by children, an adult Hungarian might use the diminutive 'apuka' to express warmth toward an elderly father.
- In Hungarian, adding the suffix -ka to apa creates apuka, but adding -ke creates apuke. The latter is much rarer and sounds even more diminutive or archaic.
Examples in context
- Apa, nézzünk farkasszemet!Daddy, let's have a staring contest.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of apa in a playful context.Tatoeba #11686686 by szvx, translation #1300146 by CK
- Apa az irodájában volt a lakásunk alatt.Daddy was in his office, under our flat.This sentence shows apa being used as a subject in a descriptive sentence.Tatoeba #3344247 by adam8752, translation #35109 by sacredceltic
- Üdvözlet, apa!Hello, dad!
- Nagyon büszke vagyok rád, apa.I'm very proud of you, dad.
- Hol vagy, papa?Where are you, daddy?
- Apu, szeretlek!Dad, I love you!
- Apa, kérlek vegyél meg egy faglat!Daddy, please buy me an ice cream!
Example conversation
A daughter is asking her father to help her with a toy.
- ZoltánApa, segíts leeszteni a labdát!Daddy, help me get the ball down!
- ZsófiaTermészetesen, Zsófia, már megyek.Of course, Zsófia, I'm coming.
- ZoltánKöszönöm, apa!Thank you, daddy!
- ZsófiaSzívesen, kincsem.You're welcome, my treasure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry apa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
