Inklingo

How to Say "dad" in Spanish

English → Spanish

papá

NounA1Neutral
Use 'papá' as the standard, everyday term for 'dad' in most situations, similar to how 'dad' is used in English.

Examples

Mi papá me enseñó a andar en bicicleta.

My dad taught me how to ride a bike.

papi

PAH-peeˈpa.pi

NounA1Affectionate
Use 'papi' when you want to express affection or endearment towards your father, similar to 'daddy' in English.
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.

pai

pah-eeˈpai

NounA2Informal
Use 'pai' in informal, familiar settings to refer to your father, often heard in certain regions or among specific age groups.
A smiling father playing with his young child in a park.

Examples

Mi pai me enseñó a conducir el carro.

My dad taught me how to drive the car.

¿Qué pasó, pai? ¿Todo bien?

What's up, dude? Everything good?

Dile a tu pai que lo espero en la esquina.

Tell your pop I'll wait for him on the corner.

A Shortened Form

This word is a shortened version of 'padre.' It follows the pattern where the middle sounds are dropped in fast, informal speech.

Used for more than just Dads

Just like 'dude' or 'bro' in English, you can use this to address friends or even strangers in casual settings, even if they aren't your father.

Don't use it in school or work

Mistake: “Saying 'Hola, pai' to your boss.”

Correction: Use 'Señor' or their name. 'Pai' is strictly for friends and family in very relaxed environments.

jefe

HEH-fehˈxefe

NounB2Colloquial
Use 'jefe' colloquially and humorously to refer to your father, similar to the English phrase 'the old man'.
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.

Avoiding Over-Affection or Over-Informality

The most common mistake is using 'papi' in formal situations or when speaking to someone else's father, which can sound overly familiar or even inappropriate. Conversely, using the colloquial 'jefe' with your own father when you mean it affectionately can sound strange.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.