Spanish word

paterno

Pronunciation

IPA/paˈteɾno/

Meaning

  • adjectivepaternal

Example

Su apellido paterno es García.

His paternal last name is García.

Illustration for paterno (paternal)

More examples

¿Conoces a tu abuelo paterno?

Do you know your paternal grandfather?

Core concept

Relationship through the father.

Common phrases

  • origen paterno

    paternal origin

  • apellido paterno

    paternal surname

Similar words

materno: Of or from the mother's side of the family, marking maternal lineage or surname.
familiar: Characteristic of or relating to a family, describing family ties or relations.

Definition in Spanish

Que indica pertenencia o relación por vía paterna.

Word origin

From Latin paternus 'of the father', built on the root pater meaning 'father'.

Usage tips

  • On official forms, 'apellido paterno' denotes the father's family name and usually corresponds to the first surname in Spanish naming conventions.

Other meanings

  • father'sadjective
  • patrilinealadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word