How do you say father or dad in Russian?

There are two main ways to say "father" or "dad" in Russian, depending on the context and level of formality:

Formal:

* отец (otets) - This is the most formal and general way to say "father". It's used when addressing someone's father, talking about fathers in general, or in any situation where formality is required.

Informal:

* папа (papa) - This is the most common and informal way to say "dad". It's used by children and family members when addressing their father.

Here's a quick breakdown:

* Отец (Formal): A stranger might call someone's father "отец" or you might use it in a formal setting like a wedding speech.

* Папа (Informal): Children call their fathers "папа" and it's used in casual conversations between family members.

Other options:

* батя (batya) - A more informal and slang term for "dad", often used by young people or in a humorous context.

Example:

* "Я люблю своего отца." (Ya lyublyu svoyego ottsa.) - I love my father. (Formal)

* "Папа, я люблю тебя!" (Papa, ya lyublyu tebya!) - Dad, I love you! (Informal)