dede
/dede/from spelling rules
The English word grandfather is translated into Turkish as dede or büyükbaba.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Turkish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dede | /dede/ (from spelling rules) |
| büyükbaba | /byˈjyc.ba.ba/ |
Both terms refer to a grandfather from either side of the family. Dede is the most common way to say grandpa and is frequently used as a direct form of address when speaking to one's grandfather.
What does it mean word for word?
The word büyükbaba is a compound made of büyük, meaning big or great and baba, meaning father.
Which one should you use?
Dede is the warm, colloquial and most common term used in daily life. In contrast, büyükbaba is more formal or descriptive.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession, you can add the suffix -m to the end of the words. For example, dedem means my grandfather and büyükbabam means my grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
/dede/
Did you know?
- The word dede is also used in Turkish Sufism to refer to a spiritual leader or a venerated elder in a religious order.
- The word dede shares its origins with the universal 'baby talk' used by infants across many cultures to mean 'grandfather' or 'elder'.
- In many parts of Turkey, calling an elderly man dede is a common way to show respect even if you are not related to him.
Examples in context
- Deden çok hoş biri.Your grandfather is very charismatic.This sentence shows how to use dede to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #4116118 by soliloquist, translation #4104413 by CK
- Dedem her sabah yürür.My grandfather takes a walk every morning.This sentence shows how to use dede when talking about a daily habit.Tatoeba #1806359 by soliloquist, translation #251355 by CK
- O benim büyükbabam mı?Is he my grandfather?This sentence shows how to use büyükbaba when asking a question about identity.Tatoeba #5750224 by duran, translation #5749946 by Catriona
- Dede, bu proje hakkında ne düşünüyorsunuz?Grandfather, what do you think about this project?
- Büyükbaba, sizi ziyaret etmek istedik.Grandfather, we wanted to visit you.
- 334 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elif and Can are looking at old family photos.
- ElifBu fotoğraftaki deden mi?Is that your grandfather in this photo?
- CanEvet, o benim dedem.Yes, that is my grandfather.
- ElifDeden çok genç görünüyor.Your grandfather looks very young.
- CanTeşekkürler, o çok sağlıklı biri.Thanks, he is a very healthy person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries dede, büyükbaba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries büyükbaba, dede, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
