International Father's Day 2025: What Do You Call Your Dad? Here's How ‘Father' Sounds In 20 Indian Languages

Add as a preferred source on Google

Fathers are often the quiet strength in our lives-the ones who teach us how to ride a bike, guide us through difficult decisions, and silently show up when we need them the most. Across India's vast and diverse landscape, the role of a father is respected, loved, and deeply rooted in culture and tradition. And just as every Indian state has its own food, music, and festivals, each one also has its own way of saying "father."

These words go far beyond literal translations. They carry emotion, familiarity, reverence, and often, a tinge of childhood nostalgia.
In English, we might say "dad," "papa," or "father," depending on the context. But in India, what we call our fathers often reflects our language, region, and cultural background.

Photo Credit: AI Generated Image

This year International Father's Day will be observed on 15 June 2025, so here's a warm look at how "father" is expressed in 20 different Indian languages-each one unique, yet deeply affectionate.

1. Hindi - Papa / Pitaji

In many Hindi-speaking households, "Papa" is the affectionate term used by children, while "Pitaji" is more formal and respectful. "Babuji" is also common in more traditional or rural settings, carrying an old-world warmth.

2. Bengali - Baba

In Bengali families, the word "Baba" is used for father. It's short, sweet, and steeped in affection. The term also conveys respect, especially in a culture where elders are held in high regard.

3. Tamil - Appa

Tamil-speaking children often call their fathers "Appa," a word filled with tenderness. For many, it conjures up memories of discipline balanced with quiet love.

4. Telugu - Nanna / Ayya

In Telugu, "Nanna" is commonly used and carries deep emotional weight. "Ayya" is more respectful and often used in traditional households.

5. Kannada - Appa / Thande

"Appa" is popular in conversational Kannada, while "Thande" leans more toward the formal or literary usage. Both are expressions of deep-rooted familial respect.

6. Malayalam - Achan / Appa

In Malayalam, "Achan" is the traditional term used for father, especially in older families. "Appa" is also gaining popularity, especially among younger generations.

7. Marathi - Baba / Aaba

Marathi-speaking families often use "Baba," which is both affectionate and respectful. "Aaba" or "Bapu" is occasionally heard in rural areas or among older generations.

8. Gujarati - Bapuji / Pappa

In Gujarati homes, "Pappa" is commonly used among children, while "Bapuji" carries an aura of reverence and tradition.

9. Punjabi - Pitaji / Bauji

"Pitaji" is the formal term in Punjabi, while "Bauji" is used with great respect, especially in joint family setups. "Papa" is also used more casually in urban areas.

Photo Credit: AI Generated Image

10. Urdu - Abba / Walid

In Urdu-speaking families, "Abba" is the most commonly used word for father. "Walid" is more formal and often found in written contexts or poetry.

11. Kashmiri - Bab / Babaji

In Kashmiri, "Bab" is the term of endearment used for one's father. The addition of "ji" as in "Babaji" shows respect and reverence.

12. Assamese - Deuta / Aai

In Assam, "Deuta" is the most common term for father, filled with love and dignity. "Aai" is used in some dialects, though it more commonly refers to mother in other languages.

13. Odia - Bapa / Pua

In Odia households, "Bapa" is the affectionate and respectful term for father. "Pua" is used less commonly but still carries a traditional tone.

14. Konkani - Baba / Appa

Konkani-speaking communities often use "Baba," especially in coastal Goa. "Appa" is also used in some dialects of Konkani spoken in Karnataka.

15. Sindhi - Babo / Pappu

In Sindhi, "Babo" is often used affectionately to address a father. "Pappu" is also heard in more modern or urban families.

16. Dogri - Babu / Pita

Dogri speakers use "Babu" for their fathers. The term "Pita" is the Sanskrit-rooted alternative used in more formal contexts.

17. Maithili - Babuji / Bap

In Maithili, "Babuji" is the term most often used to show love and respect. "Bap" is also used colloquially in village settings.

18. Bhojpuri - Babuji / Pita

Bhojpuri-speaking families commonly say "Babuji," a term that reflects deep-rooted respect and hierarchy within the family. "Pita" is rarely used in everyday conversation but appears in religious or ceremonial settings.

19. Santhali - Baba / Aba

In tribal communities like the Santhals, "Baba" or "Aba" is used to refer to a father. The terms are simple and powerful in their emotional resonance.

20. Tulu - Appa

In Tulu-speaking households, "Appa" is the term used for fathers. Like its counterparts in Tamil and Kannada, the word is soft-spoken and filled with cultural warmth.

Language is more than just a tool for communication-it's a vessel for emotion, culture, and memory. How we call our fathers may differ from state to state, but the love and respect behind each word remain the same. Whether it's "Baba," "Appa," "Papa," or "Abba," these words echo in our hearts long after we've spoken them.