அப்பா
appā/ɐpːɑː/
The English phrase "daddy" is translated into Tamil as அப்பா (appā).
அப்பா is a noun used to refer to a father. It is an informal term that is usually used by children.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Madras region, அப்பா is commonly used as an informal way to say daddy.
How do you pronounce it?
appā
Did you know?
- In many parts of Tamil Nadu, the word அப்பா is used more as a respectful address for any older man, even if there is no blood relation.
- The word is part of a much larger system of kinship terms in Tamil, where every relative has a specific, non-interchangeable name, unlike the more flexible English 'uncle' or 'aunt'.
- While அப்பா is the standard term for father, some Tamil families traditionally used தந்தை ('thanthai') in formal settings or literature, reflecting a strict divide between domestic and public identity.
Examples in context
- அப்பா எங்க?appa enga?Where is daddy?
- அப்பா சீக்கிரம் வருவார்.appa seekiram varuvaar.Daddy will come soon.
Example conversation
A young daughter is talking to her brother about their father.
- பிரியா Priyaசந்தோஷ், அப்பா எப்போது வருவார்?Santhosh, appa eppodhu varuvār?Santhosh, when will daddy come?
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஅப்பா இன்னும் அலுவலகத்தில் இருக்கிறார்.Appa innum aluvalagathil irukkirār.Daddy is still at the office.
- பிரியா Priyaஅப்பா எனக்கு சாக்லேட் வாங்கி வருவாரா?Appa enakku chocolate vāngi varuvārā?Will daddy buy me a chocolate?
- சந்தோஷ் Santhoshஆமாம், அவர் நிச்சயம் வாங்கி வருவார்.Āmām, avar nichayam vāngi varuvār.Yes, he will definitely buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry அப்பா, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
