аав
aav/ˈaːw̜/Cyrillic
The Mongolian word for dad is аав (aav).
аав is used to refer to a father in an informal context.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaːw̜/
Did you know?
- Mongolian kinship terms are highly specific and differ based on whether the relative is on the father's or mother's side. Because аав anchors the paternal line, different words are used for a father's brother versus a mother's brother.
- The word аав is often used in the phrase аавын сургаал, which refers to 'a father's teaching' or 'a father's legacy'. This moves the word from a person to an abstract concept of moral guidance.
- The term аав is a cognate with words found in the Dongxiang and East Yugur languages, proving a shared linguistic root across diverse Central Asian groups.
Examples in context
- Аав гэртээ байхгүй байна.Dad isn't home.This sentence is useful for showing how to use аав to say that a father is not at home.Tatoeba #9757721 by Alkrasnov, translation #706999 by papabear
- Аав маань ирлээ.Aav maan irlee.My dad has arrived.
- Чиний аав хаана байна вэ?Chinii aav khaana baina ve?Where is your dad?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families.
- Оюункая OyunkayaЧиний аав хаана байна?Chinii aav khaana baina?Where is your dad?
- Болд BoldМиний аав дэлгүүрт байна.Minii aav delgüürt baina.My dad is at the store.
- Оюункая OyunkayaТэр юу авч байгаа вэ?Ter yu avch baigaa ve?What is he buying?
- Болд BoldТэр жимс авч байна.Ter jims avch baina.He is buying fruit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries аав, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries аав, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
