Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Father in Spanish
Padre · noun · PAH-dreh
The Spanish word for father is 'padre,' used in formal or neutral contexts. The informal, affectionate equivalent is 'papá' (dad). 'Padre' is also used as a title for Catholic priests and in expressions like 'Día del Padre' (Father's Day).
Pronounce it as PAH-dreh, with two syllables and the stress on the first. The 'dr' combination is softer than in English, with the tongue touching the upper teeth.
Mi padre me enseñó a montar en bicicleta.
My father taught me how to ride a bicycle.
father in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for father, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| padre | father | PAH-dreh | Default, widely understood |
| papá | father | informal — dad |
How Native Speakers Use Padre
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Family introduction
Este es mi padre, se llama Roberto.
This is my father, his name is Roberto.
Introducing a parent formally.
Family conversation
Papá, ¿me puedes ayudar con la tarea?
Dad, can you help me with the homework?
A child asking a parent for help.
Religious context
El padre Miguel celebró la misa de esta mañana.
Father Miguel celebrated this morning's mass.
Referring to a Catholic priest.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Padre
Accent on papá
Incorrect: Mi papa cocina muy bien.
Correct: Mi papá cocina muy bien.
'Papa' without an accent means potato. 'Papá' with an accent on the last syllable means dad — the accent changes the meaning entirely.
Wrong plural
Incorrect: Mis padres means my dads.
Correct: Mis padres means my parents.
In Spanish, 'padres' (plural of padre) commonly means parents (mother and father together), not multiple fathers.
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See Padre used by native speakers
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Common Questions About father in Spanish
- What is the difference between padre and papá?
- Padre is the formal, respectful term for father, used in official documents, religious titles, and formal conversation, while papá is the affectionate, informal word for dad used in everyday family life.
- Does padres mean parents or fathers?
- In most contexts, 'padres' means parents (both mother and father), though it can also mean fathers in specific contexts like 'los padres fundadores' (the founding fathers).
- When is Father's Day in Spanish-speaking countries?
- The 'Día del Padre' is celebrated on different dates across the Spanish-speaking world — the third Sunday of June in most Latin American countries, and March 19 (Saint Joseph's Day) in Spain.