Spanish · People & Family
"Parents" in Spanish: padres
los padres
Parents in Spanish is los padres (PAH-drehs). It is a masculine plural pair. Mis padres means my parents.
Meeting a friend
Mis padres viven cerca.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce padres
Say it
PAH-drehs
/ˈpa.ðɾes/
PAH-drehs for padres. Stress PAH. Soft d between vowels.
"Parents" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| los padres | the parents Default plural for both parents. | Default plural for both parents. |
| mis padres | my parents Talking about your own parents. | Talking about your own parents. |
| tus padres | your parents Asking about someone’s parents. | Asking about someone’s parents. |
| los papás | mom and dad (informal) Warm everyday alternative in Latin America. | Warm everyday alternative in Latin America. |
How to use padres in real life
- 1Meeting a friend
Mis padres viven cerca.
My parents live nearby.
Mis padres for your own parents.
- 2Planning a visit
¿Vienen tus padres mañana?
Are your parents coming tomorrow?
Tus padres in a question.
- 3At school
Los padres firman la carta.
The parents sign the letter.
Los padres in a school context.
Mistakes English speakers make with padres
Incorrect: Las padres están en casa.
Correct: Los padres están en casa.
Use los with padres, even when both parents are meant.
Incorrect: Mi padre y madre viven lejos.
Correct: Mis padres viven lejos.
Padres is the usual set word for both parents together.
Good to know
Good to knowPadres can mean parents or fathers, so context matters. Papás is a warm everyday stand-in for padres. Mis viejos is very informal.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Planning a weekend visit
ChatPal
¿Visitas a tus padres este sábado?
Are you visiting your parents this Saturday?
You
Sí. Mis padres cocinan juntos.
Yes. My parents cook together.
ChatPal
Qué lindo.
How nice.
You
Ven conmigo si quieres.
Come with me if you want.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Parents" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Parents" in Spanish
Why is it los padres, not las?
The pair uses masculine plural los padres for mixed or default parents.
Does padres only mean fathers?
No. Padres often means both parents. Context decides.
What about papás?
Papás is a warm stand-in for padres.
How do you pronounce padres?
PAH-drehs. Stress the first syllable.
Use these words in a conversation
Find useful phrases for a situation, learn what to say back, and rehearse your part with revealable sample answers.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- 8 Sentences with Ser in Spanish: Examples and GrammarExplore 8 sentences with ser in spanish covering identity, origin, time, and materials, with translations, grammar tips, and mistakes to avoid.
- 33 in Spanish: How to Say It and Use It NaturallyLearn how to say 33 in Spanish with clear pronunciation, ordinal forms, regional variations, and real example sentences for confident everyday speaking.
