babcia i dziadek
The English phrase "grandma and grandpa" is translated into Polish as babcia i dziadek.
This phrase is used to refer to the parents of one's father or mother.
Which one should you use?
The diminutive forms babunia i dziadunio can be used to express even more affection, often by small children, compared to the standard babcia i dziadek.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
babcia i dziadek is the standard, affectionate way to refer to grandparents in a family context. For an even more "cute" or highly affectionate tone, particularly used by young children, you can use the diminutive babunia i dziadunio.
How does it change in a sentence?
babcia i dziadek is in the nominative case and is used when the phrase is the subject of a sentence. If you are using the phrase as the object of a preposition such as "do" (to), the forms change to babci i dziadka.
Did you know?
- In Polish, dziad can also refer to a wandering beggar, a meaning that survives in traditional folk beliefs and old customs.
- While babcia is a sweet term for grandmother, its root word baba can sometimes be used to describe an old woman in a less respectful or even derogatory way.
- While babcia is the standard term, some Polish families use the regional word babuśka, which is shared with Russian.
Examples in context
- Babcia i dziadek usiedli przed domem.Grandma and Grandpa sat in front of the house.This sentence shows the use of babcia i dziadek as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #13561532 by JimiYoru, translation #12249004 by Miktsoanit
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Piotr are talking about their weekend plans.
- AgnieszkaKogo odwiedzicie w ten weekend?Who are you visiting this weekend?
- PiotrOdwiedzimy babcię i dziadka w Krakowie.We will visit grandma and grandpa in Krakow.
- AgnieszkaTo wspaniale, że ich zobaczycie!That's wonderful that you'll see them!
- PiotrTak, babcia i dziadek bardzo nas zapraszali.Yes, grandma and grandpa invited us very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
