爸爸
bàba
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.
What does 爸爸 (bàba) mean?
爸爸 (bàba) means “dad” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “dad dad.”
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fùqīnfather (formal)
- 老爸lǎobàold man / dad (casual, often used by adults)
Examples
我爸爸很爱我。
wǒ bàba hěn ài wǒ.
My dad loves me very much.
爸爸，我们去公园吧！
bàba, wǒmen qù gōngyuán ba!
Dad, let's go to the park!
这是我爸爸。
zhè shì wǒ bàba.
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
妈妈 · Mom家庭 · Family阿姨 · Aunt
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →