padrino
/paˈdɾino/masculine
The Spanish word for godfather is padrino.
padrino refers to a man present at a baby's christening who promises to help raise the child in a Christian way. Beyond this religious role, it is also used to describe a sponsor or patron in social or political contexts. In Spain, it is also common to use padrino to refer to a mentor or sponsor in sports or arts-related contexts.
Meaning: man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Which one should you use?
While padrino is used for the religious role of a godfather, it can also take on a social or political meaning as a sponsor or patron.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, padrino is often used to refer to a mentor or sponsor within the context of sports or the arts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of padrino is madrina, and the plural form is padrinos.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈdɾino/
Did you know?
- When used in a political context, calling someone a padrino can be a stinging insult, implying they are using an unfair influence to bypass official rules.
- In some Latin American contexts, the relationship between a padrino and a ahijado (godchild) creates a compadrazgo, a formal social bond that treats the parents and the godfather as equals or 'co-parents'.
- In some Latin American countries, a padrino is often expected to provide significant financial or material support to the child's education during their lifetime.
Examples in context
- Mi padrino me dio esa camisa roja.My godfather gave me that red shirt.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use padrino when talking about an object received from a godfather.Tatoeba #5814459 by albrusgher, translation #2761953 by mervert1
- Mi padrino me dio un reloj de pulsera como regalo.My godfather gave me a watch as a gift.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use padrino when talking about a gift from a godfather.Tatoeba #5814462 by albrusgher, translation #2834067 by Desparil
- Recibí un reloj de pulsera como regalo de mi padrino.I received a watch as a gift from my godfather.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use padrino when describing a gift received from a godfather.Tatoeba #5814464 by albrusgher, translation #2834069 by Desparil
- El padrino de mi hermano es una persona muy amable.My brother's Godfather is a very kind person.
- Partiremos el pastel juntos, compadrino.We will share the cake together, Godfather.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing who will be the godfather for their baby.
- Mateo¿Quién será el padrino del bebé?Who will be the baby's godfather?
- SofíaPensamos que tu hermano es ideal.We think your brother is ideal.
- MateoÉl será un padrino excelente.He will be an excellent godfather.
- SofíaEstoy muy feliz por la noticia.I am very happy about the news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries padrino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
