papá
/paˈpa/masculine
The English phrase daddy is translated into Spanish as papá. Wiktionary also lists papaíto and papito.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papá | /paˈpa/ | masculine |
| papaíto | /papaˈito/ | masculine |
| papito | /paˈpito/ | masculine |
papá is an informal, usually childish way to say father.
Which one should you use?
The word papá must have an accent on the final a to distinguish it from papa, which means potato.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While papá is the standard informal term for daddy, papito is a more affectionate, highly informal diminutive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term papi is a popular alternative to papá used in many Latin American countries, specifically in the Caribbean. In Spain and some Latin American countries like Mexico, papito is more common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form papito uses the diminutive suffix -ito to express affection or to refer to a little daddy.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the accent mark on papá, which changes the meaning from daddy to potato.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Eso no le gustará a papá.This will not please Daddy.This sentence is useful for showing how to use papá in a sentence about someone's preference.Tatoeba #1721601 by marcelostockle, translation #950252 by spockofvulcan
- ¡Papá, cómprame una vuvuzela!Daddy, buy me a vuvuzela!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use papá when making a request.Tatoeba #1994295 by Shishir, translation #405047 by brauliobezerra
- Mamá y papá están muy nerviosos.Mummy and Daddy are very nervous.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use papá when describing a couple.Tatoeba #858042 by Shishir, translation #32486 by Dejo
- Papá, ¿puedes enseñarme a andar en bicicleta?Daddy, can you teach me how to ride a bike?
- ¡Feliz cumpleaños, papá!Happy birthday, daddy!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A little girl is asking her father for a snack.
- Sofía¡Papá, tengo mucha hambre!Daddy, I am very hungry!
- MateoLo siento, Sofía, pero ya es hora de dormir.I'm sorry, Sofía, but it is already time to sleep.
- SofíaPero quiero una galleta, papá.But I want a cookie, daddy.
- MateoMañana te daré una galleta, te lo prometo.I will give you a cookie tomorrow, I promise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries papá, papaíto, papito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papaíto, papá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
