দিদিমা
didima
The English phrase 'grandma' is translated into Bengali as দিদিমা (didima).
দিদিমা is used to refer to a grandmother, specifically a maternal grandmother (your mother's mother) in many Bengali dialects.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While দিদিমা refers to a maternal grandmother, the term thakuma is often used for a paternal grandmother. For a formal and respectful way to address a grandmother, which often translates to a paternal grandmother, you can use Dadima (দাদিমা). For an informal term specifically referring to a maternal grandmother, you can use Nani (নানি).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata and surrounding areas, Thamma (থাম্মা) is commonly used to address grandmothers. The term Dida (দিদা) is also used to address grandmothers in some areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh.
How do you pronounce it?
didima
Did you know?
- The word দিদিমা is a combination of দিদি, meaning 'elder sister', and মা, meaning 'mother'. It literally translates to 'elder sister mother'.
- In some traditions, the grandmother is considered the primary storyteller of the family, and the phrase দিদিমা is often associated with the oral tradition of 'Thakurmar Jhuli', a collection of folk tales.
- While দিদিমা is common, some Bengali speakers use the term নানি which is shared with Urdu and Hindi, reflecting the historical linguistic overlap in the region.
Examples in context
- দিদিমা কে বাচ্চার খেয়াল রাখতে দাও।Let Grandma take care of the kid.This sentence demonstrates how to use দিদিমা when referring to a grandmother taking care of a child.Tatoeba #9423655 by abracadebby, translation #9419708 by BobbyLee
- দিদিমা আজ খুব খুশি।didima aj khub khushi.Grandma is very happy today.
- দিদিমা রান্না করছেন।didima ranna korchen.Grandma is cooking.
Example conversation
Akash and Moumita are talking about their grandmother's health at home.
- আকাশ Akashদিদিমা কেমন আছেন?didima kemon achen?How is grandma?
- মৌমিতা Moumitaদিদিমা এখন ভালো আছেন।didima ekhon bhalo achen.Grandma is doing well now.
- আকাশ Akashওনার জন্য কিছু খাবার আনবো?onar jonno kichu khabar anbo?Shall I bring some food for her?
- মৌমিতা Moumitaহ্যাঁ, দিদিমা ফল খেতে চাইবেন।hya, didima phol khete chaiben.Yes, grandma would like to eat some fruit.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
