mi papá
/mi papa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my dad" is translated into Spanish as mi papá.
mi papá is a common and affectionate way to refer to one's own father.
Which one should you use?
While mi papá is a common and affectionate way to say "my dad" or "my daddy", mi padre is a more formal way to say "my father".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, mi viejo is used affectionately to refer to one's father, often meaning "my old man". In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, it is common for children to use the affectionate term mi papi.
How does it change in a sentence?
When mi papá is the direct object of a verb expressing emotion, such as "love", you must use the personal "a" before it, resulting in a mi papá.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi papa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you remove the accent mark from papá, it becomes papa, which means 'potato' or 'the Pope'.
- The word papi is used in some Caribbean dialects not only for fathers, but also as a colloquial term for a male friend or a romantic partner.
- The word papá is actually a loanword from the French word papa, which itself originated from Middle French. Although it feels quintessentially Spanish, it was adopted into the language from its neighbor.
Examples in context
- Amo a mi papá.I love my dad.This sentence shows how to express affection for mi papá.Tatoeba #3169823 by marcelostockle, translation #2549728 by CK
- Tom es mi papá.Tom is my dad.This sentence uses mi papá to identify someone.Tatoeba #2344904 by hayastan, translation #2273298 by CK
- ¡Mi papá me matará!My dad will kill me.This sentence shows a common hyperbolic expression using mi papá.Tatoeba #2008677 by Shishir, translation #1977711 by Spamster
- Durante la ceremonia, mi padre pronunció un emotivo discurso.During the ceremony, my father delivered a heartfelt speech.
- Agradezco los valores que me enseñaste, mi padre querido.I appreciate the values you taught me, my beloved dad.
- Voy a visitar a mi papá este fin de semana.I'm going to visit my dad this weekend.
- Hoy vamos a ver el partido de fútbol con mi viejo.Today we're going to watch the soccer match with my dad.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about their families.
- MaríaMira, mi papá está aquí.Look, my dad is here.
- MateoHola. ¿Cómo está él?Hello. How is he?
- MaríaMi papá está muy bien, gracias.My dad is doing very well, thanks.
- MateoMe alegro mucho, María.I am very glad, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, papá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
