pai

[paɪ]
nounmasculinepl: pais
father
1. a male parent; a man who has children
My father works as an engineer.
Meu pai trabalha como engenheiro.
2. a male ancestor or founder
The founding fathers of the nation
Os pais fundadores da nação
3. a male religious figure or priest
The priest is like a father to his congregation.
O padre é como um pai para sua congregação.
4. originator or creator of something
He is considered the father of modern physics.
Ele é considerado o pai da física moderna.
In Brazilian culture, 'pai' is a deeply respected term. Father's Day (Segundo domingo de agosto) is celebrated nationwide. The term is also used respectfully to address elderly men or authority figures. In Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, 'pai de santo' refers to a male spiritual leader or priest, reflecting the religious and cultural importance of paternal figures in these traditions.
NYC Slang
pops, pop, old man, dad
Synonyms / Sinônimos
genitorprogenitorpater
Antonyms / Antônimos
mãe

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pai
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
pai
May be used affectionately in casual contexts: 'Ó pai!' as an exclamation
São Paulo
pai
Standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'pá' in very informal speech
Portugal
pai
Same standard usage; 'o pai' commonly refers to one's father

Related Words

filhofilhafamíliapaternidadepaternal

Related Idioms & Phrases

Dia dos Pais (Father's Day)
como pai, como filho (like father, like son)
ser bom pai (to be a good father)
pai de santo (spiritual leader in Afro-Brazilian religions)
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