祖父母
zǔfùmǔ
The phrase "grandma and grandpa" in Chinese is translated as 祖父母 (zǔfùmǔ).
祖父母 is a collective term used to refer to the parents of one's father or mother.
Which one should you use?
While 祖父母 refers specifically to paternal grandparents, the term 外祖父母 is used to specify maternal grandparents.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
祖父母 is primarily used in formal writing, academic contexts or legal documents. In everyday spoken conversation, people almost always use the informal term 爷爷奶奶 instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese-speaking regions, the informal term for grandma is 阿婆 (àh-pó).
How do you pronounce it?
zǔfùmǔ
Did you know?
- The term 外 in 外祖父母 literally means 'outside'. In traditional Chinese kinship, maternal grandparents were historically viewed as belonging to a different family or being 'outside' the primary paternal lineage.
- The repetition of characters in 爷爷 and 奶奶 is a common linguistic feature in Chinese used to create a sense of intimacy and warmth, turning a formal title into a term of endearment.
- While 祖父母 is formal, the spoken terms 爷爷 and 奶奶 are often used as generic titles of respect for any elderly person, even if they are not related to the speaker.
Examples in context
- 他的祖父母住在农村。Tā de zǔfùmǔ zhù zài nóngcūn.His grandparents live in the countryside.
- 我想去看望我的祖父母。Wǒ xiǎng qù kànwàng wǒ de zǔfùmǔ.I want to go visit my grandparents.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family plans for the weekend.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个周末你有什么计划？Zhège zhōumò nǐ yǒu shéme jìhuà?Do you have any plans for this weekend?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我要和家人一起去看望祖父母。Wǒ yào hé jiārén yīqǐ qù kànwàng zǔfùmǔ.I am going to visit my grandma and grandpa with my family.
- 志强 Zhiqiang太好了，他们一定会很高兴的。Tài hǎo le, tāmen yīdìng huì hěn gāoxìng de.That's great, they will definitely be very happy.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我已经很久没见到他们了。Shì de, wǒ yǐjīng hěn jiǔ méi jiàn dào tāmen le.Yes, I haven't seen them for a long time.
