A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is my dad" in Spanish
Learn how to introduce your father in Spanish with this simple, natural phrase used across Latin America.
Este es mi papá.
ES-teh es mee pa-PAHneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when introducing your father to friends, colleagues, or new acquaintances. It is the perfect way to bridge the gap during a social introduction.
Alternatives
- Él es mi padre.Use this slightly more formal version in professional or serious settings.
- Te presento a mi papá.Use this when you want to formally introduce him to someone else.
- Él es mi viejo.Use this only with close friends as a very affectionate, slang term for dad.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'este' and 'esta'
Use 'este' for masculine nouns like 'papá' and 'esta' for feminine nouns like 'mamá'.
Forgetting the accent on papá
Without the accent, 'papa' means potato, so make sure to stress the second syllable.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American cultures, 'papá' is the standard, warm term for father, while 'padre' can sound a bit distant or formal in daily conversation.
Frequently asked
How do I introduce my parents together?
You should say 'Estos son mis padres.' This uses the plural form to refer to both your mother and father.
Is it rude to call my dad papá?
Not at all, it is the most common and affectionate way to refer to your father. It is used by children and adults alike in almost every Spanish-speaking country.
Can I use this phrase for my stepfather?
Yes, you can use the same phrase for a stepfather if you have a close relationship. If you want to be specific, you would say 'Este es mi padrastro'.
