ông bà
[ʔəwŋ͡m˧˧ ʔɓaː˨˩]word by word
The English phrase "grandma and grandpa" is translated into Vietnamese as ông bà.
ông bà is used to refer to one's own grandparents or to grandparents in a general sense.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ông (grandfather) and bà (grandmother).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ông bà functions as a collective noun for grandparents.
When do people say it?
The term ông bà is often used as a respectful way to address elderly people in a community, even if they are not one's biological grandparents.
Did you know?
- In many Vietnamese households, the way you say 'grandma and grandpa' changes depending on whether you are referring to your father's parents or your mother's parents.
- The word ông is also used as a formal pronoun for 'mister' or 'sir' in professional or distant contexts, mirroring its role as a respectful term for a grandfather.
- The word ông is a Sino-Vietnamese term originally used to denote an 'old man', which explains why it carries a sense of venerable status beyond just 'grandfather'.
Examples in context
- Tôi nhớ ông bà rất nhiều.I miss my grandma and grandpa very much.
- Ông bà đang ở quê.Grandma and grandpa are in the countryside.
- Tôi đi thăm ông bà vào cuối tuần.I visit my grandma and grandpa on the weekend.
Example conversation
Nam and Lan are talking about their family holidays.
- NamCuối tuần này bạn đi đâu?Where are you going this weekend?
- LanMình về quê thăm ông bà.I am going to the countryside to visit my grandma and grandpa.
- NamÔng bà của bạn có khỏe không?Are your grandma and grandpa doing well?
- LanÔng bà mình vẫn rất khỏe.My grandma and grandpa are still very healthy.
