How to Say "paternal" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “paternal” is “paterno” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Mi abuelo paterno nació en Madrid.
My paternal grandfather was born in Madrid.
Tienes que escribir tu apellido paterno en esta casilla.
You have to write your father's last name in this box.
Él trata a sus empleados con un afecto casi paterno.
He treats his employees with an almost fatherly affection.
Matching the Noun
This word must change its ending to match the person it describes. Use 'paterno' for men (abuelo paterno) and 'paterna' for women (abuela paterna).
Placement
In Spanish, 'paterno' usually comes after the person you are describing, unlike in English where 'paternal' can come before.
Wrong Word Order
Mistake: “Mi paterno tío vive aquí.”
Correction: Mi tío paterno vive aquí. (In Spanish, descriptive family words like this go after the relative.)
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.