جدي
jeddimy grandfather
In Moroccan Arabic, 'my grandfather' is جدي (jeddi).
جدي is the common way to talk about or address a grandfather, as in جدي كبير فالعمر, 'my grandfather is old'.
Meaning: grandfather (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
جدي combines جد (jed), 'grandfather', with ي, 'my', the same pattern used for other family words like ختي, 'my sister'.
Which one should you use?
جد alone means 'grandfather' in general. جدي specifically means 'my grandfather'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
جدي is used at every level of family speech, and it is also a warm, respectful way to address an older man directly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word is the same across Morocco.
How does it change in a sentence?
Change the ending for someone else's grandfather: جدو (jeddu) is 'his grandfather'.
How do you pronounce it?
The j is doubled and held slightly longer than a single j: jed-DI.
When do people say it?
Grandparents hold a respected place in Moroccan family life, and it is common for several generations to live close together or in the same household.
Did you know?
- جدي follows the same family-word pattern as ختي and خالتي, adding ي for 'my' to a short family root.
- Multi-generation households, with grandparents, parents and children sharing a home, remain common in Moroccan family life.
Examples in context
- جدي كبير فالعمر بصح مازال نشيط.jeddi kbir f l3omr basah mazal nashit.My grandfather is old but still active.
- كنزور جدي كل نهار جمعة.kanzur jeddi kul nhar jum3a.I visit my grandfather every Friday.
- جدو كان فلاح قبل.jeddu kan fellah qbel.His grandfather used to be a farmer.
Example conversation
Amine calls his grandfather Hassan to check on him.
- Amineسلام جدي، لاباس عليك؟salam jeddi, labas 3lik?Hello grandpa, are you well?
- Hassanلاباس الحمد لله وليدي، وانت؟labas lhamdulillah wlidi, w nta?I'm fine thank God my son, and you?
- Amineبخير، غادي نزورك هاد السيمانة.bikhir, ghadi nzurek had ssimana.Good, I'll visit you this week.
- Hassanمرحبا بيك دايما.mrehba bik dayman.You're always welcome.
