keresztapa
[ˈkɛrɛstɒpɒ]
The English phrase "godfather" is keresztapa in Hungarian.
The term is used to describe a man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner.
Meaning: man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of kereszt (cross/christening) and apa (father).
Which one should you use?
While keresztapa refers to the religious role, it is also the standard term used to refer to the title of the famous movie 'The Godfather' in Hungarian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of keresztapa is keresztapák.
Did you know?
- The term keresztapa can be used colloquially to describe a mentor or a powerful protector who helps a younger person advance in their career, regardless of any religious connection.
- Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where a godfather is simply a witness, a Hungarian keresztapa was historically viewed as a second father with a moral obligation to provide for the child if the parents died.
- While keresztapa is the formal term, some Hungarian families use the playful diminutive keresztapika when the child is speaking to their godfather.
Examples in context
- Köszönöm, hogy elküldted nekem a linket, hogy megvásárolhassam "A Keresztapa" című filmet.Thank you for sending me the link to purchase "The Godfather" movie.This sentence is useful for seeing how keresztapa is used when referring to the film title.Tatoeba #4470984 by juliusbear, translation #4468918 by DostKaplan
- Kérem, mondja el nekünk, tisztelt keresztapa.Please, tell us, esteemed godfather.
- Tisztelt keresztapa, köszönjük támogatását.Esteemed godfather, we thank you for your support.
- Ki lesz a keresztapa?Who will be the godfather?
- Zoltán nagyon jó keresztapa.Zoltán is a very good godfather.
Example conversation
Katalin and Zoltán are discussing a family event.
- KatalinSzeretném, ha te lennél a keresztapa.I would like you to be the godfather.
- ZoltánEz egy nagy megtisztetés nekem, Katalin.This is a great honor for me, Katalin.
- KatalinTudom, hogy nagyon szerete egyre jobban.I know you love him more and more.
- ZoltánKész vagyok mindenre a kisfiúért.I am ready for anything for the little boy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries keresztapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
