Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Godfather in Spanish: Padrino
Padrino · noun · pah-DREE-noh
The Spanish word for godfather is padrino, a masculine noun derived from padre (father). A padrino traditionally serves as a spiritual sponsor at a baptism, but the term extends to wedding sponsors and mentor figures in many Latin American cultures.
pah-DREE-noh
Mi padrino me regaló un reloj cuando cumplí quince años.
My godfather gave me a watch when I turned fifteen.
How Native Speakers Use Padrino
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Baptism role
El padrino sostuvo al bebé durante todo el bautizo.
The godfather held the baby during the entire baptism.
At a Catholic baptism, the padrino plays a central ceremonial role.
Wedding sponsor
Mis padrinos de boda nos ayudaron a pagar la fiesta.
Our wedding godparents helped us pay for the party.
In Mexican weddings, padrinos sponsor various elements like the cake, music, or venue.
Mentor figure
Don Carlos fue mi padrino en el negocio y me enseñó todo.
Don Carlos was my godfather in business and taught me everything.
Padrino can be used figuratively for a mentor or patron who guides and supports you.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Padrino
Confusing padrino and padre
Incorrect: Mi padre de bautizo se llama Tomás.
Correct: Mi padrino de bautizo se llama Tomás.
Using padre here would mean father, not godfather — the godfather role requires the specific word padrino. Mixing them up changes the meaning entirely.
Wrong gender for godmother
Incorrect: Mi padrino María me visitó ayer.
Correct: Mi madrina María me visitó ayer.
The feminine equivalent of padrino is madrina (godmother). Spanish requires the gender-matched noun.
Lock in Godfather Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Padrino used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using padrino in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Mi padrino me regaló un reloj cuando cumplí quince años. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Godfather in Spanish
- What is the female equivalent of padrino?
- The godmother is called madrina. Together, a godfather and godmother are referred to as los padrinos, using the masculine plural to encompass both.
- What does compadre mean in relation to padrino?
- When someone becomes your child's padrino, that person and you become compadres. It's a reciprocal bond—your child's godfather is your compadre, and you are his. This relationship carries deep social significance in Latin America.
- Is padrino only used for baptism?
- Baptism is the most traditional context, but padrinos are also chosen for first communions, confirmations, weddings, and quinceañeras. The term can even describe someone who sponsors or mentors you in a professional setting.