Chinese phrases
How to say dad in Chinese
Dad in Chinese is 爸爸 (bà ba). Most adults shorten it to 爸 (bà) when they talk to him, and use 父亲 (fù qīn) in writing.
爸爸
dad
爸 has a falling tone. In 爸爸, the second syllable is short and light: bà ba.
Ways to say dad
爸爸
Everydaydad
To your father and about him. Children say it, and so do many adults.
爸
Everydaydad
What most adults call their father: 爸，吃饭了, “Dad, dinner’s ready.” When you talk about him, 我爸 is “my dad.”
老爸
With friendsdad (affectionate)
Warm and casual, when you talk about him with friends or in a message. Some people also say it to his face.
父亲
Writtenfather
In writing, speeches and on forms, and in 父亲节, Father’s Day. In conversation it sounds stiff.
您父亲
Formalyour father (polite)
About someone else’s father when you want to be polite, for example with a client or an older person.
爹
Everydaydad (old-fashioned)
Still said in parts of the north, and common in older stories and TV dramas. In a city it sounds rural or old-fashioned.
A friend’s father
叔叔
uncle
What you call a friend’s father to his face. Say 叔叔好 when you meet him.
你爸爸
your dad
When you talk about him with your friend.
Common mistakes
Calling a friend’s father by his name
His given name sounds rude in Chinese. Call him 叔叔.
Saying 我父亲 in conversation
我父亲 sounds like a speech or an essay. With friends and colleagues, say 我爸.
A full tone on the second 爸
爸爸 is bà ba. The second syllable is short and light, not a second falling tone.
A phone call home
爸，你明天来接我吗？
Qiqi: Dad, are you picking me up tomorrow?
几点的火车？
Dad: What time is your train?
下午三点到。
Qiqi: It gets in at three in the afternoon.
好，我三点在出站口等你。
Dad: OK, I’ll wait for you at the exit at three.
