How to Say Dad in Korean
Learn how to say dad in Korean. '아빠' (appa) is the affectionate 'dad', and '아버지' (abeoji) is the respectful 'father'. Pronunciation guide and usage tips.
Published · 2 min read · Free · No sign-up
Quick answer
To say 'dad' in Korean, say '아빠' (appa, AH-ppa) — the warm, affectionate word for your own father. The more formal, respectful word for 'father' is '아버지' (abeoji, ah-BUH-ji), used in polite or formal contexts and when speaking about someone else's father.
아빠
/AH-ppa/ — Korean
How to Say Dad in Korean
Korean has two main words for “dad” — one warm and intimate, one formal and respectful. As with “mom”, the right choice depends on the situation and the level of politeness you want to show.
The Affectionate Phrase
아빠 — pronounced AH-ppa
This is “dad” / “daddy” — the everyday, loving word children and even adults use for their own father at home and in casual conversation.
Copy the Phrase
The affectionate Korean word for “dad” is 아빠 (AH-ppa). The respectful word for “father” is 아버지 (ah-BUH-ji).
Affectionate vs. Respectful
| Korean | Romanization | Pronunciation | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 아빠 | appa | AH-ppa | Warm/casual — “dad, daddy” (at home) |
| 아버지 | abeoji | ah-BUH-ji | Formal/respectful — “father” |
| 아버님 | abeonim | ah-buh-NEEM | Honorific — someone else’s father, father-in-law |
| 아빠야 | appaya | AH-ppa-ya | Calling out “dad!” (affectionate) |
Adults commonly still say 아빠 to their own father. They switch to 아버지 when being formal, introducing him, or showing extra respect — and use 아버님 when speaking to or about someone else’s father.
Literal Meaning and Roots
Like “papa” in many languages, 아빠 grows from the simple, soft sounds of early childhood, making it instinctively affectionate. 아버지 is the fuller, dignified form — the standard word in writing and formal speech. Adding the honorific suffix -님 (-nim) gives 아버님, raising the respect level further.
Family Words to Pair With
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 엄마 | eomma | Mom (affectionate) |
| 어머니 | eomeoni | Mother (respectful) |
| 부모님 | bumonim | Parents (honorific) |
| 할아버지 | harabeoji | Grandfather |
| 언니 / 누나 | eonni / nuna | Older sister (by a female / by a male) |
| 오빠 / 형 | oppa / hyeong | Older brother (by a female / by a male) |
Pronunciation Tips
- 아빠 (appa): “AH-ppa” — the doubled ㅃ (pp) is a tense, strong “p”, made with more force than a normal “b/p”.
- 아버지 (abeoji): three even syllables, “ah-BUH-ji”. The middle ㅓ (eo) is “uh”, like the “u” in “fun” — not “ee-oh”.
- Keep stress light and flat; avoid the heavy English-style emphasis.
Cultural Notes
The choice between 아빠 and 아버지 mirrors the warmth-vs-formality balance seen throughout Korean. A grown child may still call out 아빠! affectionately at home, yet say “my 아버지” in a formal conversation. When you meet a friend’s father, greeting him as 아버님 with a small bow is warm and respectful. Reading these levels correctly is a clear marker of cultural fluency and earns goodwill in Korean families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say dad in Korean?
The affectionate word is '아빠' (appa, AH-ppa), like 'dad' or 'daddy'. The respectful, more formal word is '아버지' (abeoji, ah-BUH-ji), like 'father'. Both mean your dad; '아빠' is warm and casual, while '아버지' suits polite or formal situations.
How do you pronounce 아빠 and 아버지?
'아빠' is AH-ppa — 'ah' as in 'father', then a tense, doubled 'pp'. '아버지' is ah-BUH-ji: three even syllables, with the 'eo' (ㅓ) in the middle sounding like the 'u' in 'fun'. Keep the stress light and the syllables even.
What is the difference between 아빠 and 아버지?
'아빠' (appa) is the intimate, affectionate term, like 'dad' or 'daddy' — used at home and in casual speech, even by adults. '아버지' (abeoji) is formal and respectful, like 'father' — used in polite settings, when introducing your dad, or when talking about someone else's father.
Is it okay for adults to say 아빠 in Korean?
Yes. Many Korean adults still call their own father '아빠' affectionately. In formal or public situations, or when speaking respectfully about him to others, they switch to '아버지'. When referring to someone else's father, use '아버지' or the honorific '아버님' (abeonim).
How do you say 'father-in-law' or address a friend's dad in Korean?
For a friend's father or your father-in-law, use the honorific '아버님' (abeonim, ah-buh-NEEM), which adds extra respect. For an older man who isn't a relative, '아저씨' (ajeossi) is common. In-law terms get more specific, but '아버님' is the safe, respectful choice.