How to Say "Papa" in Greek - How To Say Guide

μπαμπάς

bampás/baˈbas/

In Greek, the word for "papa" is μπαμπάς (bampás).

μπαμπάς is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a father, much like the English words "dad" or "papa".

Which one should you use?

μπαμπάς is the informal term used within families, while πατέρας is the formal, standard Greek word for "father".

μπαμπάς is an informal and affectionate term. It is suitable for use within a family setting, whereas πατέρας should be used in more formal contexts.

When you are addressing your father directly, the form changes to the vocative μπαμπά by dropping the final ς.

The romanization is bampás.

The modern word μπαμπάς is not native to Greek but was borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish word baba.
Using the formal πατέρας instead of μπαμπάς when speaking to one's own father can signal a significant emotional distance or tension.
The term μπαμπάς may have originated as an onomatopoeia, mimicking the first simple sounds a baby makes.

Μπαμπά, σ' αγαπώ πολύ!
Dad, I love you very much!
Ο μπαμπάς μου είναι καλός άνθρωπος.
O mbambás mou íne kalós ánthropos.
My dad is a good man.
Ο μπαμπάς σου δουλεύει σήμερα;
O mbambás sou doulévei símera;
Is your dad working today?
Ο μπαμπάς μου αγόρασε ένα αυτοκίνητο.
O mbambás mou agórase éna aftokínito.
My dad bought a car.

Two friends are talking about their families over coffee.

Δημήτρης Dimitris

Πώς είναι ο μπαμπάς σου, Κυριακή;
Pos íne o mbambás sou, Kyriakí;
How is your dad, Kyriaki?
Κυριακή Kyriaki

Είναι πολύ καλά, Δημήτρη.
Íne polý kalá, Dimitri;
He is doing very well, Dimitris.
Δημήτρης Dimitris

Χαίρομαι πολύ για τον μπαμπά σου.
Chérome polý gia ton mbambá sou.
I am very happy for your dad.
Κυριακή Kyriaki

Ευχαριστώ για τα καλά σου λόγια.
Efcharistó gia ta kalá sou lógia.
Thank you for your kind words.

Sources

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