At the A1 level, 'padres' is one of the first family words you learn. You use it to describe your basic family structure. You will learn to say things like 'Mis padres son de España' or 'Tengo dos padres'. The focus is on simple identification and possession using 'mis', 'tus', and 'sus'. You will also learn that 'padres' is the plural of 'padre' (father) but can include both a mother and a father. This is a foundational concept in Spanish gender grammar. You will practice asking simple questions like '¿Dónde viven tus padres?' and giving basic answers. The goal is to be able to introduce your family and talk about where they are from or what they do for a living in very simple terms.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'padres' in more varied sentence structures and contexts. You will talk about your daily life and how your parents are involved in it. For example, 'Visito a mis padres los domingos' or 'Mis padres me ayudan con el alquiler'. You will also start to use adjectives to describe them, ensuring that the adjectives agree in gender and number (e.g., 'mis padres son simpáticos'). You will learn to distinguish 'padres' from 'parientes' to avoid common mistakes. You might also encounter the word in school or work contexts, such as 'reunión de padres'. The focus is on expanding your ability to describe relationships and routines involving your parents.
At the B1 level, you use 'padres' to discuss more complex topics like upbringing, influence, and personal history. You might talk about the advice your parents gave you: 'Mis padres siempre me dijeron que estudiara mucho'. You will use the word in past tenses to describe your childhood: 'Cuando era niño, mis padres me llevaban al parque cada tarde'. You will also start to understand the cultural nuances of the word, such as the importance of the family unit in Spanish-speaking societies. You can participate in conversations about parenting styles or the challenges of being a parent today. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like 'educación' (upbringing) and 'valores' (values) in relation to 'padres'.
At the B2 level, you can use 'padres' in formal debates and written essays. You might discuss 'la conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar para los padres' (balancing work and family life for parents) or 'los derechos de los padres en el sistema educativo'. You will understand more abstract uses of the word, such as 'padres de la patria' or 'padres de la iglesia'. You can express complex opinions about the role of parents in modern society and compare different cultural perspectives. Your use of the word will be precise, and you will be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive and conditional moods (e.g., 'Si mis padres fueran más jóvenes, viajarían más').
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'padres' and its various connotations. You can appreciate its use in literature and high-level journalism. You might analyze how the concept of 'padres' is portrayed in a specific novel or film, discussing themes of authority, rebellion, or legacy. You are comfortable with legal and technical terms like 'progenitores' or 'patria potestad' and know exactly when to use them instead of the more common 'padres'. You can navigate subtle social situations where the choice between 'padres', 'papás', or 'viejos' carries significant social meaning. Your speech is fluid, and you use the word naturally in idiomatic expressions and sophisticated metaphors.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'padres' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Latin and its relationship to other Romance languages. You can discuss the most minute linguistic details, such as the debate over gender-neutral language and how it affects the traditional use of the masculine plural 'padres'. You can use the word in any context, from a formal academic lecture on sociology to a casual conversation filled with regional slang. You are aware of all regional variations across the Spanish-speaking world and can adapt your usage accordingly. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing the deepest complexities of human relationships and social structures.

padres در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Padres means parents (mother and father) or multiple fathers.
  • It is a masculine plural noun requiring plural verbs and adjectives.
  • Do not confuse it with 'parientes', which means relatives like cousins.
  • It is used in both formal (legal) and informal (daily life) settings.
The Spanish word padres is a fundamental noun that every Spanish learner must master early in their journey. At its most basic level, it translates to 'parents' in English, referring to a person's mother and father collectively. However, the linguistic mechanics of Spanish provide a layer of complexity that English does not possess. In Spanish, the masculine plural form is used to represent a mixed-gender group. Therefore, while padre means father, the plural padres can mean either 'fathers' (multiple males) or 'parents' (one father and one mother). This inclusive masculine is a hallmark of Romance languages and is essential for understanding family dynamics in Spanish-speaking cultures. When you walk into a school meeting and hear someone mention the reunión de padres, they are not excluding mothers; they are addressing the collective group of guardians.
Collective Identity
The term encompasses the biological or legal progenitors of a child, serving as the standard way to refer to the parental unit regardless of the specific gender of the individuals when spoken of as a pair.

Mis padres viven en una casa pequeña en el campo.

Beyond the biological definition, padres carries a heavy cultural weight. In many Spanish-speaking societies, the family unit is the cornerstone of social life, and the padres are viewed as the ultimate authority and source of wisdom. The word is used in legal contexts, such as patria potestad (parental authority), and in religious contexts, where 'Padres de la Iglesia' refers to the early influential theologians. It is also important to note that while padres is the standard term, it is relatively formal compared to papás, which is the equivalent of 'dads' or 'mommies and daddies' depending on context.
Etymological Root
Derived from the Latin 'pater', the word shares roots with English words like 'paternal' and 'patriarch', emphasizing the historical role of the father as the head of the household, which eventually evolved to include the mother in the plural form.

Los padres de la novia estaban muy emocionados durante la boda.

In modern usage, the term is evolving to be more inclusive of different family structures, but 'padres' remains the dominant, grammatically correct way to refer to any two people acting in a parental capacity. Whether you are filling out a government form, introducing your family to a new friend, or discussing heritage, 'padres' is the indispensable tool for defining the primary bond of kinship. It is a word that bridges the gap between the biological reality of birth and the social reality of upbringing and care.

¿Cómo se llaman tus padres?

Grammatical Agreement
Because 'padres' is masculine plural, any adjectives or articles modifying it must also be masculine plural, such as 'mis padres queridos' or 'los padres responsables'.

Muchos padres se preocupan por el futuro de sus hijos.

Es importante escuchar los consejos de nuestros padres.

Using padres correctly requires an understanding of both its grammatical function and its social context. As a masculine plural noun, it almost always appears with the definite article los or a possessive adjective like mis, tus, sus, nuestros, or vuestros. For example, 'Mis padres son médicos' (My parents are doctors). Note how the verb son and the noun médicos both agree with the plural nature of padres. This consistency is vital for sounding natural in Spanish.
Possessive Usage
When talking about your own parents, you must use 'mis'. If you are asking someone else about theirs, use 'tus' (informal) or 'sus' (formal). This distinction is a key part of Spanish etiquette.

¿A qué hora llegan tus padres al aeropuerto?

Another common construction involves the preposition de to indicate relationship. 'El coche de mis padres' (My parents' car). Unlike English, Spanish does not use an apostrophe-s for possession; instead, it uses the 'of' structure. This is a frequent point of confusion for English speakers. Furthermore, padres is often used in general statements about parenting. 'Ser padres es una gran responsabilidad' (Being parents is a great responsibility). In this case, the noun acts as a predicate nominative, defining the state of being.
The 'Both' Rule
In Spanish, if you want to emphasize 'both parents', you would say 'ambos padres'. This is useful in formal writing or when you want to be very specific about the inclusion of both individuals.

Ambos padres deben firmar el documento de autorización.

You will also find padres in various idiomatic and semi-idiomatic expressions. For instance, padres de familia is a common way to refer to 'heads of household' or simply 'parents' in a school context. 'La asociación de padres de familia' is the equivalent of the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association). In these contexts, the word is less about the biological link and more about the social role.

Los padres primerizos suelen tener muchas dudas sobre el cuidado del bebé.

Comparison with 'Madres'
While 'padres' can mean parents, 'madres' only ever means 'mothers'. You cannot use 'madres' to refer to a father and a mother together.

Ella quiere presentarles su novio a sus padres esta noche.

Nuestros padres nos enseñaron a ser honestos y trabajadores.

Los padres adoptivos tienen los mismos derechos que los biológicos.

In the real world, you will encounter the word padres in a vast array of settings, ranging from the most intimate family gatherings to the most formal legal proceedings. In a typical Spanish-speaking household, the word is used constantly when discussing family plans, history, or rules. You might hear a teenager say, 'Tengo que pedir permiso a mis padres' (I have to ask my parents for permission), reflecting the traditional structure where parents hold significant decision-making power.
Educational Environment
Schools are perhaps the most common place to hear 'padres'. Circulars, newsletters, and meetings are all addressed to 'los padres'. It is the standard professional term for guardians.

La escuela organizó un taller para los padres sobre el uso de internet.

In the media, news reports often use padres when discussing demographics, social trends, or tragic events involving families. For example, a journalist might report on 'el apoyo de los padres a la nueva ley de educación' (parents' support for the new education law). In cinema and television, especially in the popular genre of telenovelas, the relationship between children and their padres is a central theme, often involving dramatic revelations about lineage or inheritance.
Legal and Official Documents
On birth certificates, passports, and school registration forms, you will see 'Nombre de los padres'. It is the formal designation for legal responsibility.

Es obligatorio incluir los datos de ambos padres en la solicitud.

Religious life also heavily features the word. During a Catholic mass, which is common in many Spanish-speaking countries, the priest might speak about the duties of padres cristianos. Furthermore, the 'Padre Nuestro' (Our Father) is the most famous prayer, and while it uses the singular, the concept of fatherhood is central to the faith. In a more modern context, you will hear 'padres' in discussions about 'padres del mismo sexo' (same-sex parents), showing how the language adapts to changing social realities.

Hoy en día, muchos padres comparten las tareas del hogar equitativamente.

Literature and Arts
From the poems of Federico García Lorca to the novels of Gabriel García Márquez, the figure of the 'padres' is often used to explore themes of heritage, conflict, and unconditional love.

Los padres son el primer contacto que tenemos con el mundo exterior.

¿Qué regalo les vas a comprar a tus padres por su aniversario?

Los padres de familia protestaron por la falta de recursos en el colegio.

One of the most frequent and persistent mistakes English speakers make when learning Spanish is the confusion between padres and parientes. This is a classic 'false friend' (falso amigo). In English, 'parents' refers specifically to a mother and father. In Spanish, parientes refers to 'relatives' in general—uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents. If you say 'Voy a visitar a mis padres' when you mean your whole extended family, you are being too specific. Conversely, if you say 'Mis parientes viven conmigo' when you only mean your mom and dad, you are being too vague.
The 'Parientes' Trap
Always remember: Parents = Padres. Relatives = Parientes. Do not let the phonetic similarity between 'parents' and 'parientes' trick you into a lexical error.

Incorrecto: Mis parientes (meaning mother and father) son de México. Correcto: Mis padres son de México.

Another common error involves gender agreement. Because padres is the masculine plural, students sometimes forget that it includes the mother. They might try to create a mixed-gender plural like 'el padre y la madre' every single time they want to refer to both, which is grammatically correct but often redundant and unnatural in casual speech. Simply saying mis padres is the standard way to include both.
Singular vs. Plural Confusion
Beginners sometimes use 'padre' (singular) to mean 'parent' in a general sense. While 'ser padre' (to be a father/parent) works, usually you need to specify 'padre o madre' or use the plural 'padres' to be inclusive.

Error: Mi padre es muy trabajador (when referring to both parents). Correcto: Mis padres son muy trabajadores.

There is also the issue of formality. Using padres in a very intimate, child-like setting might sound a bit stiff. Children usually call their parents mamá y papá or mis papás. Using mis padres in a playground might make a child sound like they are reading from a textbook. However, as an adult learner, padres is almost always a safe and respectful choice.
Overusing 'Padres'
In some contexts, like legal custody, the term 'progenitores' is more precise. Using 'padres' is fine for general conversation, but in a legal document, look for 'progenitores'.

A veces, los padres olvidan que ellos también fueron jóvenes una vez.

¿Tus padres saben que estás aquí conmigo?

No todos los padres tienen la misma forma de educar a sus hijos.

While padres is the most common and versatile term, Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific relationship you want to describe. Understanding these nuances will make your Spanish sound much more sophisticated and native-like.
Papás
This is the informal, affectionate version of 'padres'. It is equivalent to 'moms and dads' or 'parents' in a casual conversation. It is very common in Latin America.

Mis papás me regalaron una bicicleta nueva por mi cumpleaños.

Progenitores
This is a highly formal, biological term. You will see it in medical records, legal documents, or scientific texts. It refers strictly to the biological parents.

El estudio analiza el ADN de ambos progenitores.

Tutores
This means 'guardians'. While parents are usually the tutors, this term is used when someone else has legal responsibility for a child. In school forms, you often see 'Padres o Tutores'.
Viejos
In some regions, particularly Argentina and Mexico, 'mis viejos' is a slangy, affectionate way to say 'my parents' or 'my folks'. Use this with caution as it can sound disrespectful if used in the wrong context.

Voy a pasar el fin de semana con mis viejos en la playa.

Ancestros / Antepasados
If you are talking about parents from generations ago, use these terms. 'Padres' is strictly for the immediate generation above you.

Nuestros antepasados vinieron de Europa hace un siglo.

Los padres de la patria son las figuras históricas que fundaron la nación.

Es el deber de los padres proteger a sus hijos de cualquier peligro.

چقدر رسمی است؟

نکته جالب

The Spanish word 'padre' is also used as slang in Mexico to mean 'cool' or 'great'. For example, '¡Qué padre!' means 'How cool!'. However, the plural 'padres' is rarely used this way.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /ˈpaðɾes/
US /ˈpaðɾes/
The stress is on the first syllable: PA-dres.
هم‌قافیه با
madres compadres descuadres ladres taladres encuadres cuadres desmadres
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
  • Aspirating the 'p' (releasing a puff of air).
  • Rolling the 'r' too much (it should be a single tap).
  • Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z'.
  • Stressing the second syllable.

سطح دشواری

خواندن 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'paternal' and its high frequency.

نوشتن 2/5

Simple to spell, but requires attention to plural agreement.

صحبت کردن 2/5

The soft 'd' and single-tap 'r' require some practice for native English speakers.

گوش دادن 2/5

Easy to hear, though the final 's' might be dropped in some dialects.

بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟

پیش‌نیازها

padre madre familia hijo casa

بعداً یاد بگیرید

abuelos tíos primos parientes hermanos

پیشرفته

progenitores patria potestad linaje herencia crianza

گرامر لازم

Masculine Plural for Mixed Groups

Un padre + una madre = los padres.

Possessive Adjective Agreement

Mis padres (plural) vs Mi padre (singular).

Personal 'a' with Direct Objects

Visito a mis padres (parents are the direct object).

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Padres trabajadores (both masculine plural).

Possession with 'de'

La casa de mis padres (The house of my parents).

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

Mis padres son de México.

My parents are from Mexico.

Uses the possessive 'mis' and the verb 'son' (plural of ser).

2

Tus padres son muy amables.

Your parents are very kind.

Uses the informal possessive 'tus' and the adjective 'amables' (plural).

3

¿Cómo se llaman tus padres?

What are your parents' names?

A common question structure using 'se llaman'.

4

Mis padres viven en Madrid.

My parents live in Madrid.

Uses the plural verb 'viven'.

5

Tengo dos padres.

I have two fathers / I have two parents.

In this context, it likely refers to two fathers.

6

Los padres de Juan son médicos.

Juan's parents are doctors.

Uses 'de' to show possession instead of an apostrophe.

7

Mis padres tienen una casa grande.

My parents have a big house.

Uses the plural verb 'tienen'.

8

Quiero mucho a mis padres.

I love my parents very much.

Uses the personal 'a' because the object is people.

1

Visito a mis padres todos los fines de semana.

I visit my parents every weekend.

Uses the personal 'a' and the frequency phrase 'todos los fines de semana'.

2

Mis padres me compraron un coche nuevo.

My parents bought me a new car.

Uses the indirect object pronoun 'me' and the preterite verb 'compraron'.

3

¿Tus padres trabajan todavía?

Do your parents still work?

Uses the adverb 'todavía' (still).

4

Hablo con mis padres por teléfono cada noche.

I talk to my parents on the phone every night.

Uses the preposition 'con' and the frequency phrase 'cada noche'.

5

Mis padres están de vacaciones en Italia.

My parents are on vacation in Italy.

Uses 'están' for a temporary state (location/vacation).

6

La reunión de padres es a las seis.

The parents' meeting is at six.

Uses 'de' to indicate the type of meeting.

7

Mis padres no me dejan salir hasta tarde.

My parents don't let me go out until late.

Uses the verb 'dejan' (to let/allow).

8

A mis padres les gusta mucho viajar.

My parents like to travel a lot.

Uses the 'gustar' structure with the indirect object 'les'.

1

Mis padres siempre me han apoyado en mis decisiones.

My parents have always supported me in my decisions.

Uses the present perfect 'han apoyado'.

2

Cuando era pequeño, mis padres me leían cuentos.

When I was little, my parents used to read me stories.

Uses the imperfect tense 'era' and 'leían' for habitual past actions.

3

Espero que mis padres vengan a mi graduación.

I hope my parents come to my graduation.

Uses the present subjunctive 'vengan' after a verb of hope.

4

Mis padres se conocieron en la universidad.

My parents met at university.

Uses the reflexive/reciprocal verb 'se conocieron'.

5

A veces discuto con mis padres, pero nos llevamos bien.

Sometimes I argue with my parents, but we get along well.

Uses 'discuto' (argue) and the reciprocal 'nos llevamos bien'.

6

Mis padres se jubilaron el año pasado.

My parents retired last year.

Uses the reflexive verb 'se jubilaron'.

7

Me parezco mucho a mis padres físicamente.

I look a lot like my parents physically.

Uses the verb 'parecerse a'.

8

Mis padres me enseñaron la importancia del ahorro.

My parents taught me the importance of saving.

Uses the preterite 'enseñaron'.

1

La influencia de los padres es crucial en el desarrollo infantil.

The influence of parents is crucial in child development.

Uses a formal noun phrase 'la influencia de los padres'.

2

Muchos padres se sienten abrumados por las redes sociales.

Many parents feel overwhelmed by social media.

Uses the reflexive verb 'se sienten' and the adjective 'abrumados'.

3

Si mis padres hubieran tenido más dinero, habríamos viajado más.

If my parents had had more money, we would have traveled more.

Uses the past perfect subjunctive and the conditional perfect.

4

Los padres deben fomentar la autonomía de sus hijos.

Parents should encourage their children's autonomy.

Uses the modal verb 'deben' followed by an infinitive.

5

Es fundamental que los padres mantengan una comunicación abierta.

It is fundamental that parents maintain open communication.

Uses the impersonal expression 'es fundamental que' followed by the subjunctive.

6

Los padres primerizos suelen leer muchos libros sobre crianza.

First-time parents usually read many books about child-rearing.

Uses the verb 'soler' (to usually do something).

7

A pesar de sus diferencias, mis padres siempre estuvieron unidos.

Despite their differences, my parents were always united.

Uses the phrase 'a pesar de' (despite).

8

La sociedad exige mucho a los padres de hoy en día.

Society demands a lot from today's parents.

Uses the verb 'exigir' and the phrase 'hoy en día'.

1

La brecha generacional entre padres e hijos es un tema recurrente.

The generational gap between parents and children is a recurring theme.

Uses 'e' instead of 'y' before 'hijos' (though 'y' is actually correct here, 'e' is used before 'i' or 'hi'). Wait, 'hijos' starts with 'hi', so 'e' is correct.

2

Los padres actúan como los principales agentes de socialización.

Parents act as the primary agents of socialization.

Uses formal sociological terminology.

3

Resulta imperativo que los padres se involucren en la vida escolar.

It is imperative that parents get involved in school life.

Uses the high-level adjective 'imperativo' and the subjunctive 'se involucren'.

4

El legado de mis padres va más allá de lo material.

My parents' legacy goes beyond the material.

Uses the abstract noun 'legado'.

5

Los padres a menudo proyectan sus frustraciones en sus descendientes.

Parents often project their frustrations onto their descendants.

Uses the verb 'proyectar' and the formal 'descendientes'.

6

No podemos subestimar el sacrificio que hicieron nuestros padres.

We cannot underestimate the sacrifice our parents made.

Uses the verb 'subestimar' (underestimate).

7

La custodia compartida busca el bienestar de los hijos y los padres.

Joint custody seeks the well-being of the children and the parents.

Uses legal terminology like 'custodia compartida'.

8

Los padres de la Constitución sentaron las bases de la democracia.

The fathers of the Constitution laid the foundations of democracy.

Uses 'padres' in a metaphorical, historical sense.

1

La impronta que dejan los padres en la psique infantil es indeleble.

The imprint that parents leave on the child's psyche is indelible.

Uses sophisticated vocabulary like 'impronta' and 'indeleble'.

2

Se debate si la competencia parental es innata o adquirida.

It is debated whether parental competence is innate or acquired.

Uses the passive 'se debate' and technical terms 'innata' and 'adquirida'.

3

Los padres deben navegar por las procelosas aguas de la adolescencia.

Parents must navigate the stormy waters of adolescence.

Uses a literary metaphor with the adjective 'procelosas'.

4

La abnegación de los padres es un pilar fundamental de la cohesión social.

The selflessness of parents is a fundamental pillar of social cohesion.

Uses high-level abstract nouns like 'abnegación' and 'cohesión'.

5

Ciertos traumas pueden transmitirse de padres a hijos transgeneracionalmente.

Certain traumas can be transmitted from parents to children transgenerationally.

Uses the complex adverb 'transgeneracionalmente'.

6

La figura de los padres ha sido deconstruida por la crítica posmoderna.

The figure of parents has been deconstructed by postmodern criticism.

Uses academic jargon like 'deconstruida' and 'posmoderna'.

7

Los padres, en su calidad de tutores legales, asumen toda responsabilidad.

Parents, in their capacity as legal guardians, assume all responsibility.

Uses the formal phrase 'en su calidad de'.

8

La dialéctica entre padres e hijos nutre la evolución de las costumbres.

The dialectic between parents and children feeds the evolution of customs.

Uses the philosophical term 'dialéctica'.

ترکیب‌های رایج

ambos padres
padres biológicos
padres adoptivos
reunión de padres
padres solteros
padres primerizos
permiso de los padres
casa de los padres
consejo de los padres
amor de padres

عبارات رایج

de tal palo, tal astilla

— Like father/mother, like son/daughter. It implies children are like their parents.

Juan es muy trabajador, como su padre; de tal palo, tal astilla.

padres de familia

— Heads of family or simply 'parents' in a collective school/social sense.

Convocamos a todos los padres de familia a la asamblea.

honrar a tus padres

— To honor your parents, a common moral or religious commandment.

Es importante honrar a tus padres siempre.

vivir con los padres

— To live with one's parents, common for young adults in many cultures.

Muchos jóvenes viven con los padres hasta los treinta años.

presentar a los padres

— To introduce someone (usually a partner) to one's parents.

Voy a presentar a mi novia a mis padres esta noche.

seguir los pasos de los padres

— To follow in one's parents' footsteps (career or lifestyle).

Ella decidió seguir los pasos de los padres y ser abogada.

el orgullo de sus padres

— To be the pride of one's parents.

Él es el orgullo de sus padres por sus buenas notas.

padres de la patria

— Founding fathers of a country.

Bolívar es uno de los padres de la patria en Venezuela.

en nombre de mis padres

— On behalf of my parents.

Hablo en nombre de mis padres para darles las gracias.

con el apoyo de los padres

— With the support of the parents.

Logró terminar su carrera con el apoyo de los padres.

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

padres vs parientes

This means 'relatives' (extended family), not 'parents'.

padres vs paredes

This means 'walls'. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

padres vs pasos

This means 'steps'. Sometimes confused in writing by very early beginners.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"ser más papista que el Papa"

— To be more Catholic than the Pope (to be more rigid about rules than the authority). Uses 'papa' which is related to 'padre'.

No seas más papista que el Papa, las reglas no son tan estrictas.

informal
"el padre de todas las batallas"

— The mother/father of all battles (the most significant or largest event).

Este partido será el padre de todas las batallas.

journalistic
"quedarse para vestir santos"

— To remain single (often used for women whose parents might have expected them to marry).

Si no sale más, se va a quedar para vestir santos.

informal/old-fashioned
"sacar de quicio a los padres"

— To drive one's parents crazy/to make them lose their patience.

Ese niño saca de quicio a los padres con sus gritos.

informal
"ser el ojo derecho de sus padres"

— To be the apple of one's parents' eye (the favorite).

Lucía siempre ha sido el ojo derecho de sus padres.

informal
"darle un disgusto a los padres"

— To give one's parents a disappointment or a scare.

No quiero darle un disgusto a mis padres con mis notas.

neutral
"pedir la mano a los padres"

— To ask the parents for their daughter's hand in marriage (traditional).

Él fue a pedir la mano a los padres de ella.

formal/traditional
"heredar hasta los andares de los padres"

— To inherit even the way one's parents walk (to be exactly like them).

Ese chico ha heredado hasta los andares de sus padres.

informal
"no tener padre ni madre"

— To be completely alone or to have no moral compass (metaphorical).

Ese criminal parece no tener padre ni madre.

informal/strong
"ser un padre para alguien"

— To be like a father to someone (a mentor or protector).

Mi jefe ha sido como un padre para mí.

neutral

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

padres vs parientes

Phonetic similarity to the English word 'parents'.

Padres refers only to mother and father. Parientes refers to the whole extended family including cousins, uncles, etc.

Mis padres son dos personas; mis parientes son cincuenta personas.

padres vs papás

Both mean parents.

Padres is the standard, more formal term. Papás is more affectionate and informal, used mostly within the family.

Hablé con mis padres (formal); Hablé con mis papás (casual).

padres vs progenitores

Both refer to the people who had the child.

Progenitores is a technical or legal term. Padres is the everyday word.

Los progenitores biológicos (technical); Mis padres (everyday).

padres vs tutores

Both can be the people in charge of a child.

Tutores are legal guardians. They might be the parents, but the term is used when referring to legal responsibility.

Los padres o tutores legales deben firmar.

padres vs padre

Singular vs. Plural.

Padre is just the father. Padres is both parents or multiple fathers.

Mi padre es uno; mis padres son dos.

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

A1

Mis padres son [adjective].

Mis padres son altos.

A1

Tus padres viven en [place].

Tus padres viven en Chile.

A2

Voy a [verb] con mis padres.

Voy a cenar con mis padres.

A2

Los padres de [name] son [profession].

Los padres de Ana son profesores.

B1

Mis padres quieren que yo [subjunctive].

Mis padres quieren que yo sea feliz.

B1

Cuando era niño, mis padres [imperfect].

Cuando era niño, mis padres me daban dulces.

B2

Es importante que los padres [subjunctive].

Es importante que los padres escuchen a sus hijos.

C1

A pesar de la influencia de los padres, [clause].

A pesar de la influencia de los padres, él eligió su propio camino.

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

padre (father)
madre (mother)
paternidad (paternity/fatherhood)
maternidad (maternity/motherhood)
padrastro (stepfather)
madrastra (stepmother)
padrino (godfather)
madrina (godmother)

فعل‌ها

apadrinar (to sponsor/to be a godfather to)
amadrinar (to be a godmother to)
padrear (to act like a father/to boast - slang)

صفت‌ها

paternal (paternal)
materno (maternal)
paterno (paternal)
maternal (maternal)

مرتبط

hijos
familia
parientes
abuelos
hermanos

نحوه استفاده

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 500 words in the Spanish language.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Using 'mi padres' mis padres

    The possessive adjective must agree in number with the noun. Since 'padres' is plural, 'mi' must become 'mis'.

  • Using 'parientes' to mean parents padres

    'Parientes' is a false friend that means 'relatives'. Use 'padres' for mother and father.

  • Saying 'mis madres' for a mother and father mis padres

    In Spanish, the masculine plural is used for mixed-gender groups. 'Mis madres' would mean multiple mothers.

  • Pronouncing 'padres' with a hard English 'd' padres (with a soft 'd')

    The Spanish 'd' between vowels is soft, like the 'th' in 'that'.

  • Using 'padre' (singular) to refer to both parents padres

    You must use the plural form when referring to more than one person.

نکات

Agreement is Key

Always remember that 'padres' is masculine and plural. Any adjective you use with it must end in '-os' or be the plural form. For example: 'padres ruidosos', 'padres inteligentes'.

Avoid the False Friend

Repeat after me: 'Parents' are 'padres'. 'Relatives' are 'parientes'. Don't let your English brain trick you into saying 'mis parientes' when you mean your mom and dad.

Respect the Hierarchy

In many Spanish-speaking cultures, referring to your parents as 'mis padres' shows a healthy level of respect. Using 'mis viejos' is common but only in specific, very informal contexts.

The Soft 'D'

To sound more native, make the 'd' in 'padres' very soft. Place your tongue against your upper teeth and let a little air pass, similar to the 'th' in 'breathe'.

Context Matters

If you hear 'padres' in a school setting, it almost always means 'parents'. If you hear it in a monastery, it might mean 'priests' or 'fathers'.

Possessives

Use 'mis padres' (my), 'tus padres' (your), 'sus padres' (his/her/their/your formal). The possessive must be plural ('mis', not 'mi') because 'padres' is plural.

Inclusive Masculine

Don't feel like you need to say 'mi padre y mi madre' every time. 'Mis padres' is perfectly inclusive and much more natural.

Papás vs. Padres

In Mexico and much of Latin America, 'mis papás' is the go-to for daily life. In Spain, 'mis padres' is used more frequently across all levels of formality.

Latin Roots

Connecting 'padres' to 'paternal' or 'patriarch' can help you remember the meaning if you ever get stuck.

Meeting the Parents

When introduced to someone's parents, use 'usted' (formal you) unless they specifically ask you to use 'tú'. It shows you respect their role as 'padres'.

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of the 'PA' in PArents and the 'PA' in PAdres. They both start the same way and refer to the same people. Also, 'padre' sounds like 'paternal'.

تداعی تصویری

Imagine a pair of glasses with one lens labeled 'PA' and the other 'DRES'. When you put them on, you see your mother and father clearly.

شبکه واژگان

padre madre hijos familia casa amor educación apoyo

چالش

Try to write five sentences about what your parents did last weekend using the word 'padres' at least three times.

ریشه کلمه

The word 'padres' comes from the Latin 'patres', which is the plural of 'pater'. The Latin 'pater' is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*ph₂tḗr'. This root is the ancestor of similar words in many languages, including English 'father', Greek 'patēr', and Sanskrit 'pitṛ'.

معنای اصلی: In Latin, 'pater' referred to the male head of a household or a protector. The plural 'patres' could refer to fathers, ancestors, or members of the Roman Senate.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch, which evolved into the Romance languages like Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

بافت فرهنگی

Be aware that family structures vary. While 'padres' traditionally means a mother and father, it is increasingly used for same-sex parents or single parents in a collective sense.

In English-speaking cultures, there is often a greater emphasis on independence from parents at age 18, whereas in Spanish-speaking cultures, living with 'padres' until marriage is more common and socially accepted.

The prayer 'Padre Nuestro' (Our Father). The movie 'Los padres de ella' (Meet the Parents - Spanish title). The historical 'Padres de la Patria' like José de San Martín or Miguel Hidalgo.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

Family Gatherings

  • ¿Cómo están tus padres?
  • Saludos a tus padres.
  • Mis padres te mandan recuerdos.
  • Vamos a casa de mis padres.

School/Education

  • Reunión de padres.
  • Asociación de padres.
  • Firma de los padres.
  • Entrevista con los padres.

Legal/Administrative

  • Nombre de los padres.
  • Apellidos de los padres.
  • Nacionalidad de los padres.
  • Consentimiento de los padres.

Introductions

  • Te presento a mis padres.
  • Estos son mis padres.
  • Mis padres quieren conocerte.
  • He hablado mucho de ti a mis padres.

Biographical Info

  • Mis padres nacieron en...
  • La profesión de mis padres es...
  • Mis padres llevan casados 40 años.
  • Mis padres se mudaron aquí en 1990.

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"¿Tus padres viven cerca de ti o en otra ciudad?"

"¿A qué se dedican tus padres?"

"¿Te pareces más a tu padre o a tu madre?"

"¿Cuál es el mejor consejo que te han dado tus padres?"

"¿Qué planes tienen tus padres para su jubilación?"

موضوعات نگارش

Describe una tradición que tengas con tus padres y por qué es importante para ti.

Escribe sobre una cualidad de tus padres que admires y que te gustaría tener.

¿Cómo ha cambiado tu relación con tus padres a lo largo de los años?

Si pudieras llevar a tus padres a cualquier lugar del mundo, ¿a dónde irían y por qué?

Escribe una carta de agradecimiento a tus padres por algo específico que hicieron por ti.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Not necessarily. While it is the most common way to say 'parents' (mother and father), it can also mean 'fathers' (multiple male parents). The context usually makes it clear. For example, in a same-sex couple with two men, 'sus padres' refers to both fathers.

No. In Spanish, the masculine plural 'padres' is the inclusive form. 'Madres' only refers to a group of mothers. If you want to refer to a mother and a father, you must use 'padres' or 'el padre y la madre'.

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is the standard word used in schools, books, and news. In a very casual home setting, people often use 'papás', but 'padres' is never incorrect or out of place.

You can say 'padrastro' (step-father) and 'madrastra' (step-mother). Collectively, you might say 'mis padrastros', though it's more common to refer to them individually or as 'la pareja de mi madre/padre'.

This is a common mistake! 'Padres' means 'parents' (mom and dad). 'Parientes' means 'relatives' (uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc.). Never use 'parientes' when you only mean your mother and father.

Yes, the expression 'padres de la patria' is used to refer to the historical figures who established a nation, similar to 'founding fathers' in English.

Occasionally in older literature or very formal contexts, but usually 'antepasados' or 'ancestros' is preferred for generations beyond one's own parents.

You say 'padres solteros'. This includes both 'madres solteras' (single mothers) and 'padres solteros' (single fathers) when spoken of as a group.

The singular 'padre' is slang for 'cool' in Mexico, but the plural 'padres' is almost always used in its literal sense of 'parents'.

It is exactly the same: 'padres'. For example, 'Sus dos padres son muy cariñosos' (His two fathers are very affectionate).

خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال

writing

Write a sentence about where your parents live.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence describing your parents using two adjectives.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about what your parents do for a living.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using 'reunión de padres'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about a gift for your parents.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about visiting your parents.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about something your parents taught you.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using 'ambos padres'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' anniversary.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about living with your parents.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' car.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about calling your parents.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' vacation.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' advice.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using 'padres primerizos'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' health.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' names.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' hobbies.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about your parents' house.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about being a parent.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are very happy' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I live with my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Ask 'Where are your parents?' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I am going to visit my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are doctors' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I love my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents' house is big' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I have a meeting with the parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are on vacation' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I call my parents every day' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are from Mexico' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are very kind' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I need to talk to my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are retired' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I follow my parents' advice' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents are the best' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I miss my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents met in college' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I am proud of my parents' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'My parents live in the city' in Spanish.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Mis padres son de España.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: '¿Cómo están tus padres?'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Tengo que llamar a mis padres.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Mis padres viven en Madrid.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Los padres de Ana son muy simpáticos.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Mañana visito a mis padres.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Mis padres me compraron un regalo.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'La reunión de padres es a las seis.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Mis padres están de vacaciones en Italia.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen and write: 'Respeto mucho a mis padres.'

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

/ 180 درست

نمره کامل!

محتوای مرتبط

واژه‌های بیشتر family

abrazarse

B1

بغل کردن یکدیگر؛ در آغوش گرفتن متقابل. این عمل را توصیف می کند که دو یا چند نفر همزمان یکدیگر را در آغوش می گیرند. دوستان یکدیگر را بغل کردند.

Abuela

A1

مادربزرگ من (abuela) داستان‌های زیبایی می‌گوید.

Abuelo

A1

پدر پدر یا مادر شما. پدربزرگ من همیشه در باغچه خانه گل می‌کاشت.

abuelo/a

A2

پدربزرگ یا مادربزرگ. پدربزرگ من در اسپانیا زندگی می کند.

acariciar

B1

به آرامی و با محبت لمس کردن یا نوازش کردن. مثال: او گربه اش را نوازش می کند؛ نسیم صورتش را نوازش می کند.

acoger

B1

پذیرفتن یا پناه دادن به کسی با گرمی.

acunar

B1

To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.

adolescente

A2

نوجوان فردی است که در مرحله انتقال از کودکی به بزرگسالی قرار دارد.

adopción

B1

فرزندخواندگی (adopción) فرآیند قانونی پذیرفتن فرزند دیگری به عنوان فرزند خود است.

adoptado

B1

به فرزندی پذیرفته شده' به معنای این است که فردی به صورت قانونی به یک خانواده پیوسته است. این کلمه شخصی را توصیف می‌کند که فرزند بیولوژیکی نیست، بلکه عضو قانونی یک خانواده شده است. 'به فرزندی پذیرفته شده' فرد یا حیوانی را توصیف می‌کند که به طور قانونی توسط یک خانواده جدید پذیرفته شده است.

مفید بود؟
هنوز نظری وجود ندارد. اولین نفری باشید که افکار خود را به اشتراک می‌گذارد!