🇪🇸 Spanish phrases

How to Say "Father" in Spanish

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
padre
"Father" in Spanish · say it like pah-dreh

The most natural way to say "Father" in Spanish is padre. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

papá
more casual and affectionate, often used by children
papa
used in some regions, can refer to a potato in others

When to use it

Use 'padre' when referring to your father in a formal or respectful context. It is appropriate in conversations with adults or in writing. 'Papá' is used in more casual settings, especially among family and friends.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Father" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Spanish

SpanishEnglish
Mi padre es un gran hombre.My father is a great man.
Voy a visitar a mi papá este fin de semana.I am going to visit my dad this weekend.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 'padre' with 'papa', which can mean potato in some contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear padre, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Spanish with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'padre' and 'papá'?

'Padre' is more formal, while 'papá' is informal and affectionate.

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