パパ

パパ is a loanword from English/French "papa," used as a casual, affectionate term for one's father.

Usage

• Used mainly by young children when speaking to or about their father
• Some adults continue using it in casual family settings, though it can sound childish
• In media and advertising, パパ is used to project a warm, approachable image of fatherhood

Related family terms

• ママ: mama, mommy (same register as パパ)
• お父(とう)さん: father (standard polite form)
• 父(ちち): father (humble, used when referring to one's own father to outsiders)
• 親父(おやじ): old man, dad (masculine, rough register)
• お父(とう)ちゃん: daddy (informal, warm)