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padrino

pah-DREE-nohpaˈðɾino

godfather, sponsor

Also: baptismal sponsor
NounmA2
A man gently holding a baby over a baptismal font in a church setting, fulfilling the role of a godfather.

📝 In Action

Mi padrino de bautizo es muy generoso.

A2

My godfather (from my baptism) is very generous.

Fui el padrino de mi sobrina en su primera comunión.

B1

I was my niece's sponsor for her first communion.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • padrino de boda – best man (see next definition)
  • padrino de bautizo – baptismal godfather

best man

NounmB1
Two men wearing suits standing next to each other at a wedding altar, representing the groom and the best man.

📝 In Action

El padrino de la boda es el hermano del novio.

B1

The best man is the groom's brother.

El padrino tiene que guardar los anillos.

B1

The best man has to hold the rings.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • el discurso del padrino – the best man's speech

patron, mentor

Also: sponsor
NounmB2
An established, well-dressed person placing a supportive hand on the shoulder of a younger person holding a briefcase, symbolizing a powerful patron.

📝 In Action

En el mundo del arte, ella encontró un padrino que financió su exposición.

B2

In 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.

C1

They say the mafia boss is the 'godfather' (protector/patron) of the entire city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mecenas (patron (of arts))
  • valedor (defender/protector (often Mexico))

Common Collocations

  • tener un padrino – to have a powerful backer

Vocabulary Collections

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✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: padrino

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'padrino' in the sense of a ceremonial wedding role?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
madrina(godmother / maid of honor) — Noun
apadrinar(to sponsor / to stand as godfather) — Verb
padre(father) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin word *patrinus*, which itself is based on *pater*, meaning 'father'. It literally means 'someone who acts as a father' or a spiritual father.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: padrinoPortuguese: padrinho

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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).