grand-maman
Quebec, everyday
In Quebec French children call their grandmother grand-maman. Some families say mémère, which is warm and familiar. Mamie is more typical of France.
Meaning: grandmother, familiar form (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| grand-maman | Quebec, everyday |
| mémère | familiar, regional |
| mamie | France |
Use grand-maman as a name or as a title, for example Bonjour, grand-maman. The formal word is grand-mère.
Which one should you use?
Quebec has its own set of grandparent words, such as grand-maman and grand-papa. They are used more often than mamie and papi in Quebec.
How do you pronounce it?
Grand-maman sounds like "grahn mah-MAHN".
Did you know?
- Grandparents in Quebec are often called by names with grand- and a family word like maman or papa.
Examples in context
- Grand-maman fait des tartes.Grandma makes pies.
- Je vais chez mémère.I am going to grandma's place.
- Bonne fête, grand-maman!Happy birthday, grandma!
Example conversation
Little Émile visits his grandmother Louise on a Sunday in Gatineau.
- ÉmileBonjour, grand-maman!Hello, grandma!
- LouiseBonjour, mon grand. As-tu faim?Hello, my big boy. Are you hungry?
- ÉmileOui, j'ai faim.Yes, I am hungry.
