oma
/ˈoː.maː/
The English phrase "grandma" is translated into Dutch as oma.
oma is used to refer to a grandmother. It is the common term used by both children and adults.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While oma is the standard term, opa is the masculine counterpart used for grandpa. For a more affectionate or endearing way to refer to a grandmother, you can use the diminutive form oma'tje.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
oma is a common term that can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, if you need a strictly formal word for grandmother, use grootmoeder.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of oma, add an -s to get oma's.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoː.maː/
Did you know?
- The word oma is thought to have originated from a child's mispronunciation of grootma, where the complex middle syllables were dropped.
- In the Netherlands, oma is not just a family title but is often used in the names of traditional bakeries and cafes to evoke a feeling of nostalgia and homemade quality.
- The formal term grootmoeder is rarely used in speech and is found almost exclusively in legal documents and genealogy records.
Examples in context
- Hoe oud is je oma?How old is your grandma?This sentence is useful for asking about the age of someone's oma.Tatoeba #9086773 by MarijnKp, translation #12483423 by cost_
- Oma kijkt graag tv.Grandma likes watching TV.This sentence shows the use of oma as a subject.Tatoeba #7562530 by MarijnKp, translation #838811 by Scott
- Mijn oma is 75 jaar oud.My grandma is 75 years old.This sentence demonstrates how to state the age of your oma.Tatoeba #7913799 by MarijnKp, translation #4122775 by dan1ruusianspanish
- Mijn grootmoeder is altijd zo lief.My grandmother is always so kind.
- Mag ik mijn oma een cadeau geven?May I give my grandma a gift?
- Ik zie mijn omaatje elke zondag.I visit my dear grandma every Sunday.
- Mijn bomma bakt de lekkerste koekjes.My grandma bakes the tastiest cookies.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Daan are talking about a family visit.
- LisaGa je naar je oma?Are you going to see your grandma?
- DaanJa, ik bezoek mijn oma vanmiddag.Yes, I am visiting my grandma this afternoon.
- LisaWat leuk, heeft je oma een nieuwe hobby?How nice, does your grandma have a new hobby?
- DaanNee, maar ze krijgt wel een cadeau van mij.No, but she is getting a gift from me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries oma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
