padre
/PA-dray/
The most common meaning of 'padre' is 'father,' a male parent. The plural form, 'padres,' means 'parents.'
padre (Noun)
📝 In Action
Mi padre es profesor.
A1My father is a teacher.
Voy a visitar a mis padres este fin de semana.
A2I'm going to visit my parents this weekend.
Él es un buen padre de familia.
B1He is a good family man.
💡 Grammar Points
The Plural Means 'Parents'
The plural form 'los padres' usually means 'the parents' (one father and one mother). To talk about two or more fathers, you would also say 'los padres,' and the situation would tell you what it means.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Singular and Plural
Mistake: "To talk about your parents, you might say, 'Mi padre están en casa.'"
Correction: Always use the plural form: 'Mis padres están en casa.' Remember, 'padres' covers both of them!
⭐ Usage Tips
'Padre' vs. 'Papá'
'Padre' is a bit more formal, like 'father' in English. 'Papá' is more common and informal, just like 'dad'.
'Padre' is also the title for a Catholic priest, similar to 'Father' in English.
padre (Noun)
📝 In Action
El padre dio la misa del domingo.
B1The priest gave the Sunday mass.
Necesito hablar con el Padre Francisco.
B1I need to speak with Father Francisco.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using it as a Title
When you use 'padre' as a title before a name, it's often capitalized, just like in English: 'Padre Miguel'.
In some places, especially Mexico, 'padre' is a popular slang word that means 'cool' or 'awesome.'
padre (Adjective)
📝 In Action
¡Qué padre está tu chamarra!
B2Your jacket is so cool!
El concierto estuvo padrísimo.
B2The concert was awesome.
Me la pasé muy padre en la fiesta.
C1I had a really great time at the party.
💡 Grammar Points
Making it Superlative
To say something is 'really cool' or 'awesome,' you can add '-ísimo' to the end, making it 'padrísimo'. Remember that this ending has to match what you're describing: 'padrísima' for feminine things.
⭐ Usage Tips
Know Your Audience
This 'cool' meaning is very specific to Mexico. While people in other countries might understand it from movies, it can sound unnatural if you use it in Spain or Argentina.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: padre
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'padre' to mean 'cool'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'padre' and 'papá'?
'Padre' is more formal, like 'father' in English. 'Papá' is what most people call their dad in everyday, affectionate conversation, just like 'dad' or 'daddy'. You would write 'Estimado padre' (Dear father) in a formal letter, but you would call him 'papá' on the phone.
If 'los padres' means 'parents', how do I say 'the fathers'?
You also say 'los padres'. Spanish uses the masculine plural form for a group of all men or a mixed-gender group. You have to rely on the context to know the difference. For example, 'Los padres de la novia' (The bride's parents) means mother and father, but 'Todos los hombres allí son padres' means 'All the men there are fathers'.
Is it okay to use 'padre' to mean 'cool' in Spain or Argentina?
It's best not to. While many people might understand it from Mexican TV shows, it's not a natural part of their daily slang. It will make you sound like you're specifically using Mexican Spanish. In Spain, they'd say 'guay', and in Argentina, they might say 'copado'.