Paternal Meaning in English
word
Definition
Related to a father or coming from the father's side of the family. It can also describe fatherly qualities or behavior.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and academic contexts, especially when referring to family lineage: 'paternal grandmother' (father's mother). It can also mean father-like care, as in 'paternal instincts'. Not used for mothers—use 'maternal' for that.
Spanish: paternalPortuguese (BR): paternoPortuguese (PT): paternoChinese (Simplified): 父亲的Chinese (Traditional): 父親的Hindi: पैतृकArabic: أبويBengali: পিতৃসূত্রীয় - পিতৃতুল্যRussian: отцовскийJapanese: 父方の - 父性的なVietnamese: thuộc về cha - từ phía chaKorean: 부계의 - 아버지다운Turkish: babaya ait - babasından gelen - babacanUrdu: پدریIndonesian: dari pihak ayah - seperti ayah
Example Sentences
My paternal uncle lives in Mexico.
basic
He spends a lot of time with his paternal grandmother.
basic
She inherited a ring from her paternal side.
basic
He has a very paternal way of looking out for his friends.
natural
She was raised mostly by her paternal grandparents.
natural
There's a strong paternal tradition of storytelling in my family.
natural