баба
bába[ˈbabɐ]
The English phrase "grandma" is translated into Bulgarian as баба (bába).
The word баба is used as a general noun for a grandmother and also serves as a term of endearment for one's own grandmother.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of баба is баби.
How do you pronounce it?
bába
When do people say it?
In many Bulgarian contexts, it is common to address an elderly woman as баба. Depending on the tone used, this can be a standard way to address her or can be perceived as informal or even slightly disrespectful.
Did you know?
- While баба means 'grandmother' in Bulgarian, the Turkish word baba actually means 'father'.
- In Bulgarian folklore, a баба is not always a relative, as the term describes a mythical forest witch known as Баба Яга.
- In some Bulgarian dialects, a 'baba' is not just a relative but a specific term for a female healer or midwife in a village community.
Examples in context
- Здравей, бабо! Какво ново има?Hello, grandma! What's new?
- Моята баба готви много вкусно.Moyata baba gotvi mnogo vkusno.My grandma cooks very delicious food.
- Баба ми изпрати картичка.Baba mi izprati kartichka.My grandma sent me a card.
- Тя е много добра баба.Tya e mnogo dobra baba.She is a very good grandma.
Example conversation
Martin and Elena are talking about their weekend plans.
- Мартин MartinКъде ще бъдеш в неделя?Kade she bjeshesh v nedelya?Where will you be on Sunday?
- Елена ElenaОтивам на гости при баба.Otivam na gosti pri baba.I am visiting my grandma.
- Мартин MartinТя живее в София ли?Tya zhivee v Sofia li?Does she live in Sofia?
- Елена ElenaНе, баба живее в село.Ne, baba zhivee v selo.No, grandma lives in a village.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry баба, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries баба, CC BY-SA 4.0.
