papai
/paˈpaj/
papai is the Portuguese word for daddy.
papai is an informal and affectionate term. It is often used by children, but adults may also use it when speaking to their own young children, such as saying, "Come see Daddy".
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While papai is the equivalent of the English "daddy", the standard, neutral word for "father" in Portuguese is pai. Another endearing option is paizinho, which can translate to "daddy" or "daddy dearest".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
papai is an informal, diminutive form used in very intimate and sweet contexts. For a neutral way to say "father", use pai.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpaj/
Did you know?
- The term papai is often used in Brazilian Portuguese as a 'pet name' in romantic contexts, similar to how an English speaker might use 'baby' or 'honey', rather than just for actual children.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the expression papai Noel is the specific name for Santa Claus, combining 'daddy' with the name 'Noel'.
- In certain colloquial contexts, papai can be used as a slang term for a boss or someone in a position of absolute power and authority.
Examples in context
- Dê um beijo no papai.Give Daddy a kiss.The sentence is useful for practicing the use of papai when referring to oneself in the third person.Tatoeba #5611100 by carlosalberto, translation #3151569 by CK
- Como foi o teu dia, papai?How was your day, daddy?The sentence shows how to use papai when addressing a father directly.Tatoeba #8959655 by Ricardo14, translation #10449935 by DJ_Saidez
- Isso não vai agradar o papai.This will not please Daddy.The sentence demonstrates using papai as a way to refer to the father in a third-person context.Tatoeba #952448 by alexmarcelo, translation #950252 by spockofvulcan
- Bom dia, pai. Como vai?Good morning, father. How are you?
- Oi, papai! Obrigado por tudo.Hi, daddy! Thank you for everything.
- Papai, você é o melhor!Daddy, you're the best!
- Feliz aniversário, meu paizinho amado!Happy birthday, my beloved daddy!
- Vamos, paizinho, vamos brincar!Come on, daddy, let's play!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A child is talking to her mother about her father's arrival.
- MarianaO papai já chegou em casa?Has daddy arrived home yet?
- RodrigoAinda não, Mariana.Not yet, Mariana.
- MarianaEu quero brincar com o papai!I want to play with daddy!
- RodrigoEle chega logo, logo.He will be here very soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry papai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
