Papa is an affectionate, informal word for father used in many cultures around the world. When a child calls out “Papa!” they're addressing their dad in a warm, familiar way. The word often suggests closeness and tenderness, similar to calling your father “Dad” or “Daddy” rather than the more formal “Father.”

The word appears in languages across Europe, Latin America, and beyond, though its pronunciation and exact meaning vary slightly. In some families, children use papa from their earliest years through adulthood. In others, it's the special name younger children use before switching to “Dad” as they grow older.

You'll encounter papa frequently in translated books and stories from other countries. When reading a French novel or a Russian folk tale, characters often address or mention their papa. Some English-speaking families adopt the word because they like its sound or want to honor their heritage. Others use it simply because it feels natural and loving.

Like many family words, papa carries the emotional weight of the relationship behind it: the person who taught you to ride a bike, helped with homework, or told you bedtime stories.