padrino
/pah-DREE-noh/
godfather
Padrino as a 'godfather' during a religious ceremony.
padrino(noun)
godfather
?religious ceremony (baptism, confirmation)
,sponsor
?person who backs a debut or event
baptismal sponsor
?formal religious term
📝 In Action
Mi padrino de bautizo es muy generoso.
A2My godfather (from my baptism) is very generous.
Fui el padrino de mi sobrina en su primera comunión.
B1I was my niece's sponsor for her first communion.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Pair
Remember that 'padrino' is the male godparent. The female equivalent, 'godmother,' is 'madrina'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Godfather' and 'Father'
Mistake: "Using 'padrino' when you mean 'padre' (father)."
Correction: 'Padrino' is always the ceremonial or chosen protector, not the biological father ('padre').
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Significance
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the relationship with your 'padrino' is very important and often includes financial or moral support throughout life.
Padrino as the 'best man' at a wedding.
📝 In Action
El padrino de la boda es el hermano del novio.
B1The best man is the groom's brother.
El padrino tiene que guardar los anillos.
B1The best man has to hold the rings.
💡 Grammar Points
Specific Context
When referring to a wedding, you almost always need to specify 'padrino de boda' (best man) or 'padrino del novio' (groom's best man) to be perfectly clear, although context usually helps.
Padrino meaning a 'patron' or powerful supporter.
padrino(noun)
patron
?powerful supporter/backer
,mentor
?someone guiding a career
sponsor
?financial backer
📝 In Action
En el mundo del arte, ella encontró un padrino que financió su exposición.
B2In the art world, she found a patron who financed her exhibition.
Se dice que el jefe de la mafia es el padrino de toda la ciudad.
C1They say the mafia boss is the 'godfather' (protector/patron) of the entire city.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of the ceremonial 'godfather' to mean anyone who holds power and gives protection or assistance to another person or project.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: padrino
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'padrino' in the sense of a ceremonial wedding role?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'padrino' the same as 'padre'?
No. 'Padre' means 'father' (biological or adoptive). 'Padrino' means 'godfather' or 'sponsor'—a chosen protector who takes on a special, usually lifelong, ceremonial role.
How do I say 'godmother'?
The female equivalent is 'madrina'. It follows the same pattern for all meanings (godmother, maid of honor, female patron).