avia
[ˈa.wi.a]
The English word 'grandma' is translated into Latin as avia.
The word avia is used to refer to a grandmother in an informal manner.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Latin, the form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. The form aviam is used when the grandmother is the direct object of a verb. If you are referring to multiple grandmothers as a direct object, use avias. To indicate possession (the grandmother's) or to address her (to the grandmother), use the form aviae.
Did you know?
- The word avia covers both grandmothers. To be precise, Romans could say avia māterna or avia paterna .
- The feminine avia is formed by adding a specific suffix to the masculine 'grandfather' form, avus, to change the gender.
- In many Latin-based Romance languages, the descendants of this word still carry the same phonetic 'av-' sound for family members.
Examples in context
- Edamus avia.Let's eat, Grandma.This sentence shows the use of avia when addressing a grandmother.Tatoeba #11168704 by SunnyMoon, translation #10115165 by JumJum
- Edamus aviam.Let's eat Grandma.This sentence shows the use of avia as a direct object.Tatoeba #11168707 by SunnyMoon, translation #10115166 by JumJum
- Avia mea bona est.My grandma is good.
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are looking at an old family photograph.
- ClaudiaQuis est haec femina?Who is this woman?
- MarcusHaec est mea avia.This is my grandma.
- ClaudiaUbi habitat avia tua?Where does your grandma live?
- MarcusIn oppido habitat.She lives in the town.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry avia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
