bonjour papa
The English phrase "hello daddy" is translated into French as bonjour papa.
The phrase is a greeting used by a child to say hello to their father.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bonjour (good day) and papa (dad).
Which one should you use?
While bonjour is the standard way to say "hello" during the day, it is more literally "good day".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term papa is an informal and affectionate term for a father, whereas père is the formal term for "father".
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking African countries, papa is used as a respectful title for any older man or a community leader, regardless of biological relation.
- The word jour in bonjour shares a common ancestor with the English word 'journey', as both stem from the Latin 'diurnus', meaning 'daily'.
- In France, it is common for children to give their father a 'bisou', a light kiss on the cheek, immediately after saying bonjour papa.
Examples in context
- Coucou, bonjour papa.Hey, hello daddy.
- Bonjour papa, tu vas bien ?Hello daddy, are you doing well?
Example conversation
A young girl greets her father when he returns from work.
- HugoBonjour papa !Hello daddy!
- ChloéBonjour ma chérie !Hello my darling!
- HugoTu as fini le travail ?Are you finished with work?
- ChloéOui, je suis là.Yes, I am here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bonjour, papa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
