da
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for da, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal or dialect word for "father."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
old man
district attorney
Antonyms
Etymology
From early childhood speech — one of the simplest sounds a baby can make — related to "dad" and "dada."
Full origin of da →Frequently asked questions
What does “da” mean?
The word “da” means an informal or dialect word for "father.". In plain terms, a short, informal word meaning either "father" or "yes," depending on dialect or context.
How do you pronounce “da”?
“Da” is pronounced dah (/dɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “da” in a sentence?
Here is “da” used in a sentence: “He still calls his father "Da" even as an adult.”
What is the opposite of “da”?
The opposite of “da” — its antonyms — is nyet.
What part of speech is “da”?
Depending on how it is used, “da” can be a noun and an intj.
Is “da” a common word?
“Da” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “da” have?
“Da” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal or dialect word for "father.".
What is the difference between da and dad?
They mean the same thing — one's father — but 'da' is a regional and dialect form, while 'dad' is the standard informal word across English. 'Da' is especially associated with Irish, Welsh, and northern English speech. Both are warm and casual, used in place of the more formal 'father.'
Where is the word da used?
'Da' for father is heard mainly in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and parts of northern England, where it is an everyday, affectionate term. Similar-sounding words for father appear across many languages, such as 'papa' and 'dada.' In writing, 'da' often signals a regional voice or a character's local dialect.
Is da the same as the baby word dada?
They are related but not identical. 'Dada' is one of the first sounds many babies make and is used by very young children everywhere. 'Da' is a settled dialect word for father, used by speakers of all ages in certain regions, not just infants. Both are informal and affectionate terms.
