English–Spanish
“fatherly” in Spanish
Spanish
Pronunciation
IPA/pateɾˈnal/
Example
Ella mostró una actitud paternal con los bebés.
She showed a fatherly attitude toward the babies.
How to say “fatherly” in Spanish
“Fatherly” in Spanish is paternal.
A father shielding a child with his arm.
Example sentences with paternal
Su voz paternal calmó al niño cuando lloraba.
Her fatherly voice calmed the boy when he was crying.
Tips for using paternal
- When applied to institutions or officials, paternal can be approving as caring or critical as patronizing, so context determines whether it sounds positive or condescending.