padre
/ˈpa.dre/masculine
The English word "father" translates to Italian as padre.
padre is a masculine noun used to refer to a male parent.
Meaning: male parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While padre is the standard term for "father", it is often used in formal or biological contexts. In contrast, papà is used in affectionate, familial contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
papà is an informal term similar to "dad" or "daddy". Additionally, Babbo is an informal and affectionate way to address your father and Papà can be used as an informal translation for "dad".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of padre is padri, and the articulated plural form for "of the fathers" is dei padri.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpa.dre/. The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, babbo historically meant 'fool' or 'simpleton' before it became a term of endearment for a father.
- The word Babbo is also the standard word for 'Santa Claus' in the Tuscany region, specifically in the phrase Babbo Natale.
- The spelling of papà requires a grave accent on the final 'a' to indicate stress, a detail that distinguishes it from the Spanish 'papa', which means 'potato' or 'the Pope'.
Examples in context
- Tom è un padre.Tom is a father.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a father using padre.Tatoeba #4524675 by Guybrush88, translation #4495298 by CK
- Chi è il padre?Who's the father?This sentence is useful for asking who the father is using padre.Tatoeba #4562151 by Guybrush88, translation #2565515 by Hybrid
- Lei è mio padre.You are my father.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your father using padre.Tatoeba #1098005 by Guybrush88, translation #1097991 by cntrational
- Ho parlato con mio padre oggi.I spoke to my father today.
- Papà, sei il migliore del mondo!Dad, you're the best in the world!
- Babbo, mi racconti una storia?Dad, can you tell me a story?
- 2435 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are looking at an old family photograph.
- FrancescoGuarda questa foto di mio padre.Look at this photo of my father.
- GiuliaTuo padre era molto giovane qui.Your father was very young here.
- FrancescoSì, aveva solo vent'anni.Yes, he was only twenty years old.
- GiuliaSiete proprio simili, Francesco!You are really similar, Francesco!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “father” translations and entries padre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
