ปู่
bpùu/puː˨˩/
The English phrase grandfather can be translated into Thai using ปู่ (bpùu). Wiktionary also lists ตา (dtaa) and ก๋ง (gǒng).
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ปู่ | bpùu | /puː˨˩/ |
| ตา | dtaa | /taː˧/ |
| ก๋ง | gǒng | /koŋ˩˩˦/ |
In Thai, the word for grandfather depends on whether he is your father's father or your mother's father.
Which one should you use?
Thai speakers distinguish between sides of the family: ปู่ is used specifically for a paternal grandfather (father's father), while ตา is used specifically for a maternal grandfather (mother's father). For families of Chinese descent, the term ก๋ง is used to refer to a grandfather.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Isaan region of Thailand, the words Poo or Pu are used to address a grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization for ปู่ is bpùu.
Did you know?
- The Thai word for maternal grandfather, ตา, is the exact same word used for the 'eye'.
- Due to the influence of Chinese immigration, many Thai people use ก๋ง to refer to their grandfather regardless of whether the grandfather is paternal or maternal.
Examples in context
- ทอมเป็นปู่ของแมรี่Tom is Mary's grandfather.This sentence is useful for identifying a relationship between two people using ปู่.Tatoeba #8728833 by pastelite, translation #1028541 by CK
- ปู่ของฉันเป็นนักโบราณคดีMy grandfather was an archaeologist.This sentence is useful for describing a grandfather's profession using ปู่.Tatoeba #8722689 by pastelite, translation #3832022 by CK
- ปู่ของผมเสียชีวิตเมื่อสามปีที่แล้วMy grandfather passed away three years ago.This sentence is useful for stating when a grandfather passed away using ปู่.Tatoeba #10469616 by Somsak, translation #273847 by CK
Example conversation
Nicha is showing Chonlasit an old family photograph.
- ณิชา Nichaคนนี้คือปู่ของณิชาค่ะkhon nee khue puu khong nicha khaThis person is Nicha's grandfather.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitท่านดูใจดีมากเลยครับthan duu jai dee maak loey krapHe looks very kind.
- ณิชา Nichaใช่ค่ะ ปู่ชอบเล่าเรื่องสมัยก่อนchai kha puu chob lao rueang sa-mai konYes, my grandfather loves telling stories about the past.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitน่าสนใจมากเลยครับna son jai maak loey krapThat is very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries ปู่, ตา, ก๋ง, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ก๋ง, ตา, ปู่, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
