आजोबा
ājobā/a.d͡zo.ba/masculine
The English phrase "grandfather" can be translated into Marathi as आजोबा (ājobā). Wiktionary also lists आबा (ābā).
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Marathi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| आजोबा | ājobā | /a.d͡zo.ba/ | masculine |
| आबा | ābā |
आजोबा is used to refer to a grandfather from either the paternal or maternal side. The word itself carries a sense of respect and is used as an honorific when addressing or referring to a grandfather.
Which one should you use?
While आजोबा is the standard term, आबा is a more colloquial or affectionate way to say grandfather.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing that something is directed toward a grandfather, such as in the phrase "give it to grandfather", you add the suffix -ंना to the word to form आजोबांना.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ājobā is /a.dzo.ba/. The o sound is like the o in st[o]ry and the b sound is like the b in a[b]ash.
Did you know?
- In Marathi culture, it is common to use the word आजोबा as a respectful way to address any elderly man, even if you are not related to him.
- Marathi uses a complex system of pronouns and verb endings to show respect to आजोबा that would be considered grammatically incorrect if used for a peer or a child.
- The suffix -बा used in आजोबा is the same honorific found in the names of famous figures, such as the father of the Indian constitution, B. R. Ambedkar, often called बाबा.
Examples in context
- मी टॉमचा आजोबा आहे.I'm Tom's grandfather.This sentence is useful for stating a relationship using the form आजोबा.Tatoeba #4729187 by sabretou, translation #2235790 by CK
- माझे आजोबा कुठे आहेत?Where's my grandfather?This sentence is useful for asking about a location using the form आजोबा.Tatoeba #13496117 by sabretou, translation #2645628 by CK
- आमचे आजोबा आजारी आहेत.Our grandfather is ill.This sentence is useful for describing a state of health using the form आजोबा.Tatoeba #7937841 by sabretou, translation #4422208 by vertigo93
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sneha and Rahul are talking about their family visit.
- स्नेहा Snehaतुझे आजोबा घरी आले का?Tujhe aajoba ghari aale ka?Did your grandfather come home?
- राहुल Rahulहो, माझे आजोबा सकाळी आले.Ho, majhe aajoba sakaali aale.Yes, my grandfather came in the morning.
- स्नेहा Snehaते खूप आनंदी दिसत आहेत.Te khup aanandi disat aahet.He looks very happy.
- राहुल Rahulहो, आजोबा खूप खुश आहेत.Ho, aajoba khup khush aahet.Yes, grandfather is very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries आजोबा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
