パパ

• Reading: パパ
• Romaji: papa
• Pronunciation: /pa.pa/

Meaning

Papa; daddy. An informal, affectionate term for one's father.

Borrowed from European languages. Used primarily by young children or in casual family settings. More childish and informal than お父さん (otousan, father). パパ is common in modern urban families, while some families prefer the more traditional お父さん or the casual 父ちゃん (touchan). The counterpart is ママ (mama).

Examples

1. パパ、明日公園に連れて行って。 Daddy, take me to the park tomorrow.
2. パパが会社から帰ってきた。 Daddy came home from work.
3. 小さい子供がパパと手をつないでいた。 A small child was holding hands with their daddy.

Usage Guide

Context: family, children, home

Tone: affectionate

Origin & History

Borrowed from French or English 'papa.' Entered Japanese usage in the modern era as Western family terminology became popular in urban households.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Children and young adults

Social background: Universal