Inklingo

How to Say "dad" in Spanish

English → Spanish

papá

NounA1Neutral
Use this for the most common, general term for 'father' in everyday conversation.

Examples

Mi papá me enseñó a andar en bicicleta.

My dad taught me how to ride a bike.

papi

PAH-pee/ˈpa.pi/

NounA1Affectionate
Use this affectionate and familiar term when speaking to your father directly, especially as a child, or when referring to him in a very loving way.
A young, smiling child standing next to a tall adult man, holding his hand affectionately.

Examples

¡Papi, mira mi dibujo! ¿Te gusta?

Daddy, look at my drawing! Do you like it?

Mi papi me va a llevar al parque este sábado.

My dad is going to take me to the park this Saturday.

The Affectionate '-i' Ending

In this case, 'papi' is a shortened, affectionate form of 'papito' (the full diminutive of 'papá'). Spanish uses these endings to express warmth or closeness.

jefe

/HEH-feh//ˈxefe/

NounB2Colloquial
Use this colloquial term, similar to 'the old man' in English, when talking about your father informally among friends or peers.
A warm, domestic scene showing a middle-aged man giving a young child a joyful piggyback ride in a sunny living room.

Examples

Voy a pedirle dinero a mi jefe para salir esta noche.

I'm going to ask my dad for money to go out tonight.

¡Gracias por la ayuda, jefe!

Thanks for the help, boss!

¿A dónde lo llevo, jefe?

Where can I take you, chief?

Using it in Formal Situations

Mistake: “Calling a stranger 'jefe' in a formal business meeting.”

Correction: This usage is strictly informal. Use it with friends when talking about your dad, or with service workers like taxi drivers or market vendors who are being friendly. Avoid it in professional or formal settings.

Choosing Between 'Papá' and 'Papi'

Learners often confuse 'papá' and 'papi'. 'Papá' is the standard, everyday word for father. 'Papi' is a more intimate, affectionate term, like 'daddy', and is often used by younger children or in very loving contexts.

Related Translations

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