धर्मपिता
dharmapitāHindi, formal
The closest Hindi word for "godfather" is धर्मपिता (dharmapitā), a man who is treated as a father through a spiritual or chosen bond. It is also called गॉडफादर (gŏḍphādar).
Meaning: a man who acts as a spiritual or adoptive father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| धर्मपिता | dharmapitā | Hindi, formal |
| गॉडफादर | gŏḍphādar | English loan, casual |
धर्मपिता (dharmapitā) is used for a man who takes a fatherly role without being the birth father. For the gangster film sense, Hindi speakers simply say गॉडफादर (gŏḍphādar), borrowed from English.
Which one should you use?
Hindi has no single word that matches the Christian church role exactly, so speakers often explain it with a short phrase or use the English word.
Did you know?
- The word धर्म (dharma) in धर्मपिता marks a bond chosen by duty or faith rather than by blood.
Examples in context
- वह मेरे धर्मपिता हैं।vah mere dharmapitā haiṃ.He is my godfather.
- उन्होंने मुझे धर्मपुत्र माना।unhoṃne mujhe dharmaputra mānā.He accepted me as his godson.
Example conversation
Rohan introduces his godfather Mr. Verma to his friend Amit at a family function in Delhi.
- Rohanअमित, ये मेरे धर्मपिता हैं।amit, ye mere dharmapitā haiṃ.Amit, this is my godfather.
- Amitनमस्ते, अंकल।namaste, aṃkal.Hello, uncle.
- Mr. Vermaनमस्ते, बेटा।namaste, beṭā.Hello, son.
