ਦਾਦਾ
dādāmasculine
The Punjabi word for grandfather is ਦਾਦਾ (dādā). Wiktionary also lists ਦਾਦੇ (dāde).
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Punjabi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ਦਾਦਾ | dādā | masculine |
| ਦਾਦੇ | dāde | plural |
The term ਦਾਦਾ is used to mean grandfather. While it can be used generally, it specifically refers to the paternal grandfather, which is your father's father. If you wish to refer to your maternal grandfather (your mother's father), you should use the word ਨਾਨਾ instead.
Which one should you use?
ਦਾਦਾ is the singular masculine form used for one grandfather, while ਦਾਦੇ is the plural form used to refer to multiple grandfathers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western Punjabi, the word Dada is often used for grandfather. In Central Punjabi, Daada Ji is commonly known. In Eastern Punjabi, you can call a grandfather Baba Ji or Dada Ji.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ਦਾਦਾ is ਦਾਦੇ.
How do you pronounce it?
dādā
Did you know?
- In certain cultural contexts, the term ਬਾਬਾ (Baba) can refer to a grandfather, a holy man, or a spiritual teacher, regardless of biological relation.
- In Punjabi culture, the paternal grandfather ਦਾਦਾ is traditionally viewed as the primary patriarch and guardian of the family lineage and ancestral land.
- Because ਦਾਦਾ is derived from Prakrit, it belongs to a very ancient lineage of Indo-Aryan languages that predates modern Punjabi.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਿੱਠੇ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਹਨ।mere dādā bahuta mithē bōladē hana.My grandfather speaks very sweetly.
- ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਬਾਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੈਠੇ ਹਨ।dādā jī bāga vica baiṭē hana.Grandfather is sitting in the garden.
Example conversation
Manpreet and Ravinder are looking at an old family photograph.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਇਹ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਦਾਦਾ ਹੈ?Eh tuhada dada hai?Is this your grandfather?
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਹਾਂ, ਇਹ ਮੇਰੇ ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ ਹਨ।Han, eh mere dada ji han.Yes, this is my grandfather.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਉਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੋਹਣੇ ਲੱਗ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।Oh bahut sohne lag rahe han.He looks very handsome.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ।Dhanvad, Manpreet.Thank you, Manpreet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries ਦਾਦਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਦਾਦਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
