パパ
papa[pa̠pa̠]
The English word 'daddy' can be translated into Japanese as パパ (papa). Wiktionary also lists お父さん (otōsan).
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| パパ | papa | [pa̠pa̠] (narrow) |
| お父さん | otōsan | [o̞to̞ːsã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
パパ is an informal term used to mean 'daddy'. It is most commonly used by very young children to address their father directly, serving a similar function to the English term.
Which one should you use?
While パパ is a childish term, お父さん is the standard, polite way to say 'father' or 'dad' used by both children and adults. パパ is specifically used by very young children or in highly cutesy, informal contexts, making お父さん more socially versatile.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
パパ is a childish and informal term. For a more standard and polite way to say 'father' or 'dad', use お父さん.
How do you pronounce it?
papa
Did you know?
- The term パパ is sometimes used in modern Japanese slang to describe a 'sugar daddy' who provides financial support to a younger partner.
- The modern pronunciation of お父さん underwent an artificial change directed by the government. During the Meiji period, the Ministry of Education standardized the spelling and pronunciation to fit a specific educational model, overriding natural linguistic shifts.
- In Japan, using パパ as an adult is often perceived as ぶりっ子, a term for someone who acts overly cute or fake to manipulate others.
Examples in context
- パパ、どこ？Where's my daddy?This example shows how to use パパ when asking for a father's location.Tatoeba #10157748 by small_snow, translation #2254634 by CK
- パパにつかまれ！Hang onto Daddy!This example shows how to use パパ when telling someone to hold onto their daddy.Tatoeba #197925 by small_snow, translation #35114 by CM
- パパ、肩車して。Give me a ride on your shoulders, Daddy.This example shows how to use パパ when asking a father for a shoulder ride.Tatoeba #197930 by small_snow, translation #35119 by CM
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young girl is playing in the living room and calls for her father.
- 陽葵 Himariパパ、あそぼ！Papa, asobo!Daddy, play with me!
- 健太 Kentaいいよ、陽葵。何して遊ぶ？Ii yo, Himari. Nani shite asobu?Okay, Himari. What do you want to play?
- 陽葵 Himariパパ、お人形さんで遊んで。Papa, oningyou-san de asonde.Daddy, play with the dolls.
- 健太 Kentaわかった、パパも一緒に遊ぶね。Wakatta, papa mo issho ni asobu ne.Understood, Daddy will play with you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries パパ, お父さん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries お父さん, パパ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
