Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| พ่อ | pɔ̂ɔ | /pʰɔː˥˩/ |
| ป๊า | bpáa | /paː˦˥/ |
| ป๋า | bpǎa | /paː˩˩˦/ |
| คุณพ่อ | kun pɔ̂ɔ |
The terms used to say "daddy" or "father" in Thai vary based on the speaker's background and the level of respect intended. While พ่อ is the standard term, specific colloquialisms like ป๊า are used in certain cultural contexts and ป๋า has a very different social connotation.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ significantly in nuance: ป๊า (bpáa) is a common colloquialism for "dad" specifically used in Thai-Chinese families. In contrast, ป๋า (bpǎa) is a colloquialism that often refers to a "sugar daddy" or a wealthy benefactor who provides financial support. While พ่อ (pɔ̂ɔ) is the standard way to say father, คุณพ่อ (kun pɔ̂ɔ) is the more respectful version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
คุณพ่อ (kun pɔ̂ɔ) is the polite and respectful way to refer to one's father, typically used when speaking to others or in formal settings. พ่อ (pɔ̂ɔ) is a standard term. The terms ป๊า (bpáa) and ป๋า (bpǎa) are both colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word พ่อ (pɔ̂ɔ) can function both as a noun meaning "father" and as a title used to address one's father directly.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of พ่อ is pɔ̂ɔ.
When do people say it?
In many Thai households, especially those with Chinese heritage, you will hear the term ป๊า used to mean "dad". Be careful with the word ป๋า, as it implies a relationship involving financial support from a wealthy man rather than a familial bond.
Did you know?
- The term ป๊า (bpáa) may actually trace its origins back to the English word 'pa' rather than a native Thai source.
Examples in context
- ฉันรักพ่อนะDaddy, I love you!This sentence is useful for practicing how to express affection toward your father using พ่อ.Tatoeba #2235468 by Vortarulo, translation #2075226 by Vened
- พ่อของฉันชื่อแอนดรูว์My father's name is Andrew.
- พ่อไปไหนคะphaw pai nai khaWhere is daddy going?
- พ่อซื้อขนมมาให้phaw sue khanom ma haiDaddy bought some snacks for me.
Example conversation
A daughter is talking to her father in the living room.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanพ่อคะ วันนี้ไปเที่ยวกันไหมphaw kha wan-nee pai thiao kan maiDaddy, shall we go out today?
- วิทวัส Witthawatได้สิ อยากไปไหนล่ะdai si yaak pai nai laSure, where do you want to go?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanหนูอยากไปสวนสัตว์ค่ะnuu yaak pai suan-sat khaI want to go to the zoo.
- วิทวัส Witthawatตกลง เตรียมตัวเลยนะtok-long triam tua loei naAlright, get yourself ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries พ่อ, ป๊า, ป๋า, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ป๊า, ป๋า, พ่อ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
