pappa
[²papːa]common gender
pappa is the Swedish word for daddy.
pappa is an informal noun used to refer to a father. It is the most common and widely used term for daddy in Swedish, often used in a childish context.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pappa is the informal term for daddy, the standard word for father is far. For a more colloquial or slangy way to refer to one's father, such as 'dad' or 'the old man', you might use farsan.
How does it change in a sentence?
pappa is a common-gender noun. To say 'the daddy', use the definite form pappan. To show possession, such as 'daddy's', use the genitive form pappas.
Did you know?
- The term pappa is often used in Swedish compound words to describe things related to fatherhood, such as pappaledig for a father's parental leave.
- The word pappa mimics the earliest sounds human infants make, which is why similar words appear in unrelated languages like Greek and French.
- Unlike English, where 'papa' can sound archaic or upper-class, pappa is the standard, everyday word for 'daddy' across all social classes in Sweden.
Examples in context
- Ge pappa en puss.Give Daddy a kiss.This sentence shows how to use pappa when giving someone a kiss.Tatoeba #4339940 by richke, translation #3151569 by CK
- Kom till pappa.Come to Daddy.This sentence uses pappa to indicate coming toward a father.Tatoeba #6392184 by SilasNordgren, translation #6392039 by OsoHombre
- Hej pappa! Kommer du och hämtar mig från skolan idag?Hey, daddy! Are you picking me up from school today?
- Glöm inte bort att köpa glass, farsa!Don't forget to buy ice cream, pops!
- Min pappa är snäll.My daddy is kind.
Example conversation
A small child is talking to his sister at home.
- OscarVar är pappa?Where is daddy?
- LinneaPappa är i köket.Daddy is in the kitchen.
- OscarKan jag gå till pappa?Can I go to daddy?
- LinneaJa, Oscar, gå till pappa.Yes, Oscar, go to daddy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries pappa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pappa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
