Thick Brush Stroke

How to Say "Dad" in Italian

7 different ways

The most widespread term Italians use for their fathers is papà. It is the equivalent of dad or daddy in English.

dad in italian: Introduction

However, there are a few other names Italians use to refer to their dads. Let's discover them now!

dad in italian: Introduction

padre

Padre is quite simply the equivalent of the English father. It is more formal than papà.

Papi / Papino / papo / pà

The four words you see here are all affectionate nicknames for dads in Italian. They are mostly used by children.

Babbo

Another nickname you may hear quite often, especially in Tuscany, is babbo, which is the same word seen in the name Italians give to Santa Claus: Babbo Natale.

Further reading: