παππούς
pappoús/paˈpus/masculine
The Greek word for grandfather is παππούς (pappoús). Wiktionary also lists πάππος (páppos).
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| παππούς | pappoús | /paˈpus/ | masculine |
| πάππος | páppos | masculine |
The word is used to refer to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side.
Which one should you use?
While πάππος is the dictionary nominative form, παππούς is the form used in natural, everyday speech when the word is the subject of a sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form παππούς is used when the word is the subject of a sentence. For the genitive case, such as when saying 'of the grandfather' (του παππού), you use the form παππού.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is pappoús and the IPA is /paˈpus/.
Did you know?
- In Greece, the term παππούς is often used as a respectful title for any elderly man, even if there is no family relationship.
- The word παππούς is actually a diminutive form, meaning it originally functioned as a 'little' or 'dear' version of the word for 'father'.
- The root of παππούς is related to the nursery language common across many Indo-European tongues, where 'pa' sounds are associated with fathers.
Examples in context
- Ο παππούς μου ήταν προληπτικός.My grandfather was superstitious.This sentence shows how to use παππούς to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #5364251 by Zeus, translation #5364221 by CK
- Ο παππούς μου μιλάει πολύ αργά.My grandfather speaks very slowly.This sentence shows how to use παππούς to describe a person's speaking speed.Tatoeba #5613459 by Zeus, translation #1362466 by CK
- Ο παππούς μου κάνει βόλτα κάθε πρωί.My grandfather takes a walk every morning.This sentence shows how to use παππούς to describe a person's morning routine.Tatoeba #3014543 by glavkos, translation #251355 by CK
- Γεια σου, παππούληHello, grandfather
- Γεια σας, παππού ΓιάννηHello, grandfather John
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are looking at an old family photo.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠοιος είναι αυτός ο άντρας;Poios einai aftos oអntras?Who is this man?
- Ελένη EleniΑυτός είναι ο παππούς μου.Aftos einai o pappous mou.This is my grandfather.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜοιάζεις πολύ μαζί του!Miazeis poly mazi tou!You look a lot like him!
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, όλοι το λένε.Nai, oli to lene.Yes, everyone says so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries παππούς, πάππος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries παππούς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
