'Gān bà' literally combines 'gān' (meaning 'fictive' or 'ritual', not 'dry') and 'bà' (father), signifying a non-biological, culturally recognized father figure. Unlike legal adoption, becoming a gān bà is a voluntary, symbolic relationship often established through a formal ceremony—especially common in southern China and among overseas Chinese communities. It reflects deep trust and affection, and the role includes moral guidance, emotional support, and sometimes material assistance.

This term emphasizes social kinship rather than blood ties. The 'gān' prefix appears in other kinship terms like gān niáng (godmother) and gān gē (godbrother), all indicating chosen family bonds. While historically rooted in Confucian values of filial piety and reciprocity, modern usage may be more informal—e.g., a close family friend who mentors a child—or even playful among peers. It carries warmth and respect, never irony or sarcasm.