bunic
/buˈnik/masculine
The Romanian word for grandfather is bunic. Wiktionary also lists tataie and tată mare.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bunic | /buˈnik/ | masculine |
| tataie | masculine | |
| tată mare | masculine |
The term refers to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side.
Which one should you use?
While bunic is the standard term, tată mare can also be used to mean grandfather. Tatăie serves as an affectionate and informal alternative, similar to the English 'grandpa' or 'gramps'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bunic is the standard masculine form. For a more affectionate and informal tone, you can use tatăie.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tatăie is a regional and familiar form.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify 'the grandfather', the masculine noun bunic takes the definite article suffix -ul to become bunicul. In the plural, the form bunici changes to bunicilor when used in the dative or genitive cases, such as when saying 'to/for the grandfathers'.
How do you pronounce it?
/buˈnik/
Did you know?
- The word bunic is formed from the word bun, which means 'good'.
- The term tată mare literally translates to 'big father'.
Examples in context
- Unde este bunicul meu?Where's my grandfather?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of your bunic.Tatoeba #4811998 by AlbertaJ, translation #2645628 by CK
- Bunicul moțăie pe canapea.Grandfather is napping on the sofa.This sentence shows the use of bunic to describe a person napping.Tatoeba #5406459 by elenacristina260, translation #273864 by CM
- Tocmai ce am devenit bunic.I've just become a grandfather.This sentence demonstrates using bunic to describe the status of becoming a grandfather.Tatoeba #5406460 by elenacristina260, translation #3735546 by CK
- Bunicul meu are o experiență vastă în viață.My grandfather has a vast life experience.
- Bunicul meu este un om înțelept și iubitor.My grandfather is a wise and loving man.
- Tataie, cum a fost ziua ta?Grandpa, how was your day?
- Vreau să-l vizitez pe tataie săptămâna aceasta.I want to visit grandpa this week.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ioana and Andrei are talking about family during a lunch break.
- IoanaÎți amintești de bunicul tău?Do you remember your grandfather?
- AndreiDa, bunicul meu era foarte amabil.Yes, my grandfather was very kind.
- IoanaȘi bunicul meu era la fel.And my grandfather was the same.
- AndreiCe frumos este să ai astfel de amintiri.How beautiful it is to have such memories.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries bunic, tataie, tată mare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bunic, mare, tataie, tată, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
