NetChai Chinese
爸爸
bà ba
Dad

爸爸 (bàba) is the most common and affectionate way to say "dad" or "father" in Mandarin Chinese. It's widely used by children and adults alike, conveying warmth and familiarity.

When to use it

Casual and warm. For a more formal term, especially when referring to someone else's father or in written contexts, use 父亲 (fùqīn). When addressing an older man respectfully who is not your father, you might use 叔叔 (shūshu, uncle) or 大爷 (dàyé, grand-uncle/elderly man).

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "BAH-bah." Both syllables are falling tones, but the second one is often said lightly, almost like a neutral tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 父亲fù qīnfather (formal)
  • 老爸lǎo bàold man / dad (casual, often used by adults)
  • 爹diēdad (older, more regional, less common now)

Examples

我爸爸很爱我。
wǒ bà ba hěn ài wǒ 。
My dad loves me very much.
爸爸，我们去公园吧！
bà ba ， wǒ men qù gōng yuán ba ！
Dad, let's go to the park!
这是我爸爸。
zhè shì wǒ bà ba 。
This is my dad.
Pro tip: The reduplication of 爸 (bà) to 爸爸 (bàba) is common for family terms in Chinese (like 妈妈 for 'mom'), making it sound more intimate and affectionate. The second 'ba' is typically pronounced with a neutral tone.

Related phrases

朋友 · Friend家庭 · Family妈妈 · Mom
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