gjysh
/ˈɟyʃ/
The English word grandfather is translated into Albanian as gjysh. Wiktionary also lists babagjysh and tatëmadh.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Albanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gjysh | /ˈɟyʃ/ | |
| babagjysh | ||
| tatëmadh | masculine | |
| tatëlosh | masculine | |
| tatëzot | masculine | |
| tatëgjysh | masculine |
The word refers to a grandfather from either side.
What does it mean word for word?
The word babagjysh is a compound of baba (father) and gjysh (grandfather).
Which one should you use?
While gjysh is the standard term, babagjysh is also used to mean grandfather. Other masculine forms used for this relation include tatëmadh, tatëlosh, tatëzot and tatëgjysh.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gjysh is the standard, neutral term. babagjysh is a more colloquial or affectionate way to say grandfather.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -i to gjysh makes it the definite form 'the grandfather', resulting in gjyshi. The plural form of gjysh is gjyshër.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɟyʃ/
Did you know?
- The word gjysh shares an ancient root with the Sanskrit word sūṣā́, which refers to a woman in labor.
- The word gjysh is related to the Romanian word ghiuj.
- The word tatëmadh literally means 'big father' because madh means 'big' or 'grand'.
Examples in context
- Gjyshi im ishte arkeolog.My grandfather was an archaeologist.This sentence is useful for identifying the subject in a past tense description using gjysh.Tatoeba #6982819 by aln, translation #3832022 by CK
- Ai është gjyshi im.He is my grandfather.
- Gjyshi im jeton në Tiranë.My grandfather lives in Tirana.
Example conversation
Elira and Alban are looking at an old family photo.
- EliraKush është ky burrë në foto?Who is this man in the photo?
- AlbanKy është gjysh im.This is my grandfather.
- EliraAi duket shumë i rreptë.He looks very strict.
- AlbanJo, ai është shumë i ëmbël.No, he is very sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries gjysh, babagjysh, tatëmadh, tatëlosh, tatëzot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babagjysh, gjysh, tatëlosh, tatëmadh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
