Ways to say it
| Bengali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| দাদা | dada | /d̪ad̪a/ |
| ঠাকুরদা দাদু | ṭhakurda | |
| নানা | nana | /nana/ |
The term used for grandfather depends on whether you are referring to your father's father or your mother's father.
Which one should you use?
দাদা is used specifically for a paternal grandfather, which is your father's father. In contrast, নানা is used specifically for a maternal grandfather, which is your mother's father. The form ঠাকুরদা দাদু can also be used. The form দাদু is an affectionate way to address a grandfather, commonly used by children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In West Bengal, the term Boro Dadu is commonly used to mean 'elder grandfather'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of দাদা is /d̪ad̪a/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume দাদা is a generic term for any grandfather. To be accurate, use দাদা for the paternal side and নানা for the maternal side.
Did you know?
- While দাদা is a common way to say 'grandfather', it is also the standard Bengali word for an 'elder brother'.
- The term ঠাকুরদা uses the root ঠাকুর, which can also refer to a 'lord' or 'master' in other contexts.
- The terms for both paternal and maternal grandfathers, দাদা and নানা, likely originated as onomatopoeic baby talk or nursery sounds.
Examples in context
- আমার দাদা একজন নায়ক ছিলেন।My grandfather was a hero.This sentence is useful for describing a grandfather using the form দাদা.Tatoeba #11998948 by robingaspi, translation #3831267 by CK
- মেন্নাদের দাদা হাসপাতালে মারা গিয়েছে।Mennad grandfather died in the hospital.Tatoeba #11456401 by robingaspi, translation #8032735 by OsoHombre
- আমার দাদা আমাকে আরজ করেছিলেন।My grandfather had requested me.
- ঠাকুরদা, আপনি কেমন আছেন?Grandfather, how are you?
- কেমন আছেন, দাদুভাই?How are you, Grandfather?
Example conversation
Rahul and Ananya are looking at an old family photo.
- অনন্যা Ananyaএই ছবিটা তোমার দাদার?Ei chobita tomar dadar?Is this photo of your grandfather?
- রাহুল Rahulহ্যাঁ, আমার দাদা খুব সাহসী ছিলেন।Hyan, amar dada khub sahosi chilen.Yes, my grandfather was very brave.
- অনন্যা Ananyaউনি কি এই শহরেই থাকতেন?Uni ki ei shohorei thakten?Did he live in this city?
- রাহুল Rahulনা, আমার দাদা গ্রামে থাকতেন।Na, amar dada grame thakten.No, my grandfather lived in the village.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries দাদা, নানা, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries দাদা, নানা, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
