Translation guide
The English word 'father' can refer to one's own dad, someone else's dad, a priest, or a founder. In Japanese, the word you use depends on whose father you're talking about, the level of formality, and whether you're addressing him directly.
Referring to your own father when talking to someone outside your family.
Standard humble term for your own father. Use this when speaking about him to non-family members.
My father is a teacher.
Can be used for your own father when talking to family or close friends, but sounds childish or overly familiar in formal contexts.
Avoid using お父さん for your own father in formal situations or with superiors; use 父 instead.
お父さんに聞いてみる。
I'll ask my dad.
Casual, affectionate term like 'daddy'. Used mainly by children or in very informal family settings.
パパ、遊ぼう！
Daddy, let's play!
Referring to the father of someone you're talking to, or a third person's father, with respect.
Polite and common way to refer to someone else's father. Also used to address your own father directly.
お父さんはお元気ですか。
How is your father?
More formal and respectful than お父さん. Used in very polite speech or when referring to someone of higher status.
Archaic, highly respectful term for father, often used in samurai or historical contexts.
Calling your father to his face.
The standard way to address your own father. Safe and natural in most families.
お父さん、ただいま。
Dad, I'm home.
Common in families with young children, or as a term of endearment. Can be used by adults in casual settings.
パパ、これ見て。
Daddy, look at this.
Affectionate, slightly rough or folksy term. Often used in working-class families or by children.
Referring to a Catholic priest.
Standard term for a Catholic priest. Used both as a title and a noun.
神父様、お祈りをありがとうございます。
Father, thank you for the prayer.
More respectful form, often used when addressing a priest directly.
神父様に相談してみます。
I will consult with Father.
Referring to a man who started something, like a movement or field of study.
Used metaphorically, often in set phrases like 'father of modern science'.
彼は近代科学の父と呼ばれている。
He is called the father of modern science.
Use 父 when talking about your own father to outsiders (humble). Use お父さん when talking about someone else's father (respectful) or when addressing your own father directly. Using お父さん for your own father in formal speech can sound childish or disrespectful.
In English, 'Father' is used for priests. In Japanese, always use 神父 (しんぷ) for Catholic priests, not 父. For Protestant ministers, use 牧師 (ぼくし).
お父様によろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards to your father.
父上、ご無事で何よりです。
Father, I am relieved that you are safe.
父ちゃん、かっこいい！
Dad, you're so cool!
Literally 'birth parent', used figuratively for a creator or founder.
彼はこの会社の生みの親だ。
He is the father of this company.