How to say “Dad” in Korean
- 아빠appa
dad
"Dad" in Korean is 아빠 (appa), the everyday word for your own father. In formal or respectful situations Koreans say 아버지 (abeoji), and for someone else's father or a father-in-law they say 아버님 (abeonim).
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 아빠 appa | Casual | The everyday word for your own dad. Kids use it, and many adults, especially daughters, keep using it. |
| 아버지 abeoji | Polite | "Father." More respectful and grown-up. Common in formal speech, writing, and when adult sons talk to or about their father. |
| 아버님 abeonim | Formal | The honorific form for someone else's father, a friend's dad, or your father-in-law. |
| 우리 아빠 uri appa | Any | "My dad." Koreans say 우리 (our) instead of 내 (my) for family members. |
Examples
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Asking on the phone when he will be home
Asking politely about someone's father
Telling a friend about your dad
Tips
Use 우리 아빠 ("our dad") when talking about your father. 내 아빠 ("my dad") sounds unnatural to Koreans.
Many grown men switch from 아빠 to 아버지 as they get older, while many women keep saying 아빠. Both are normal, and 아버지 is the safe choice in formal settings.
When you meet a friend's or partner's father, call him 아버님 (abeonim). It shows respect and is what Koreans actually say.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 아빠 and 아버지?
Both mean father. 아빠 is the casual, affectionate "dad," while 아버지 is the respectful "father" used in more formal situations.
How do you say "I love you, Dad" in Korean?
Say 아빠 사랑해 (appa saranghae) casually, or 아빠 사랑해요 (appa saranghaeyo) to sound a little more polite.
Does Korea have Father's Day?
Not separately. Korea celebrates Parents' Day, 어버이날 (eobeoinal), on May 8 for both parents.