papá
/paˈpa/masculine
The English word "daddy" is translated into Spanish as papá. Wiktionary also lists papaíto and papito.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| papá | /paˈpa/ | masculine |
| papaíto | /papaˈito/ | masculine |
| papito | /paˈpito/ | masculine |
papá is the most common and widely used word for daddy in Spanish. It is a respectful way to refer to a father.
Which one should you use?
While papá is the standard term, papito and papaíto are also used. papito uses the diminutive suffix -ito to express endearment or to make the term sound more affectionate.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
papá is a respectful and common term. papito is more colloquial and, depending on the culture, can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or a child rather than just a father.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the accent mark. The word papa (without an accent on the final a) means "potato", whereas papá (with an accent) means "daddy" or "dad".
Did you know?
- The word papa without the accent can also refer to 'the Pope' in certain religious contexts, creating a triple meaning involving potatoes, fathers, and the Pontiff.
- In some Caribbean cultures, papito is used as a colloquial way to address a male friend or even a stranger, similar to 'dude' or 'man'.
- The word papá is actually a loanword from the French word papa, which itself is thought to be a universal, imitation-based sound used by infants.
Examples in context
- Eso no le gustará a papá.This will not please Daddy.This sentence shows how to use papá when speaking about him in the third person.Tatoeba #1721601 by marcelostockle, translation #950252 by spockofvulcan
- ¡Papá, cómprame una vuvuzela!Daddy, buy me a vuvuzela!This sentence shows how to address papá directly.Tatoeba #1994295 by Shishir, translation #405047 by brauliobezerra
- Mamá y papá están muy nerviosos.Mummy and Daddy are very nervous.This sentence shows how to use papá when referring to both parents.Tatoeba #858042 by Shishir, translation #32486 by Dejo
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A child is looking for his father in the house.
- Mateo¿Dónde está papá?Where is daddy?
- MaríaEstá en la cocina, Mateo.He is in the kitchen, Mateo.
- Mateo¡Quiero jugar con papá!I want to play with daddy!
- MaríaEspera un momento, pequeño.Wait a moment, little one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daddy” translations and entries papá, papaíto, papito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries papaíto, papá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
