Papa Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈpɑˌpə/

PAH-puh

UK

/pɐpˈɑː/

puh-PAH

Definition

'Papa' is an informal or affectionate word for someone's father. It can also mean the Pope, especially in historical, religious, or foreign-language contexts.

Usage & Nuances

For 'father', 'papa' sounds warm, childlike, or old-fashioned depending on region. In modern everyday English, 'dad' or 'daddy' is more common. Capitalize 'Papa' when used as a name. In religious meaning, 'the Pope' is usually far more common than 'the Papa' in English.

• Spanish: papá - papa (sumo pontífice)
• Portuguese (BR): papai - papa (líder da Igreja Católica)
• Portuguese (PT): papá - papa (líder da Igreja Católica)
• Chinese (Simplified): 爸爸 - 教皇
• Chinese (Traditional): 爸爸 - 教宗
• Hindi: पापा - पोप
• Arabic: بابا - البابا
• Bengali: বাবা - পোপ (ধর্মীয়)
• Russian: папа - папа (Папа Римский)
• Japanese: パパ - ローマ教皇
• Vietnamese: bố - Giáo hoàng
• Korean: 아빠 - 교황
• Turkish: baba - papa (Katolik Kilisesi lideri)
• Urdu: ابو - پوپ (کیتھولک چرچ کا سربراہ)
• Indonesian: papa - Paus

Example Sentences

My papa reads to me every night.

basic

The children ran to Papa when he came home.

basic

Many people came to see the Papa in Rome.

basic

I used to sit on Papa's lap and listen to his stories.

natural

In that old book, the writer calls the Pope the Papa.

natural

Don't tell Papa yet — I want it to be a surprise.

natural