아빠
appa[a̠p͈a̠]
The English word "papa" is translated into Korean as 아빠 (appa).
아빠 is an informal and affectionate term for a father.
Which one should you use?
While 아빠 is an informal term similar to "dad", 아버지 (abeoji) is the more formal and standard way to say "father".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아빠 is used primarily by children or by adults in a very close, casual and affectionate family setting. In contrast, 아버지 is the formal term.
How do you pronounce it?
appa
Did you know?
- The word 아빠 is formed by combining 아비 ('father') with the vocative particle -아 ('hey') used to call someone's attention. Over time, these two words fused into a single term.
- In many Korean households, adult children continue to use 아빠 throughout their lives to maintain an affectionate, close bond with their father.
- While 아빠 is common in families, using it toward a stranger or a superior would be seen as incredibly childish or even disrespectful due to its lack of formality.
Examples in context
- 아빠, 오늘 저녁에 같이 밥 먹으러 가자.Dad, let's go out for dinner together tonight.
- 아버지, 오늘 저녁에 같이 식사하실래요?Father, would you like to have a meal together tonight?
- 아빠, 사랑해요.appa, saranghaeyo.Papa, I love you.
- 우리 아빠는 정말 멋져요.uri appaneun jeongmal meotjyeoyo.My papa is really cool.
- 아빠가 집에 오셨어요.appaga jibe osyeosseoyo.Papa came home.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are talking about their fathers at a park.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 너희 아빠는 지금 어디 계셔?ji-hun-a, neohui appaneun jigeum eodi gyesyeo?Ji-hoon, where is your papa now?
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 아빠는 지금 회사에 계셔.uri appaneun jigeum hoesae gyesyeo.My papa is at work now.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 아빠가 언제 오신대?geureom appaga eonje osindae?Then when will he come?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아빠는 저녁에 오실 거야.appaneun jeonyeoge osil geoya.Papa will come in the evening.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아빠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아빠, CC BY-SA 4.0.
