ambuya
The Shona word for grandma is ambuya.
This word is used to refer to a grandmother.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ambuya is the standard way to refer to a grandmother, Gogo is another term used specifically for grandma.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ambuya is a standard and respectful way to refer to a grandmother, whereas Gogo is an informal term. In formal contexts, the capitalized Ambuya is used as a formal term for grandma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ambuya is invariant in terms of number. This means that the plural form is understood through the context of the sentence or by adding other words.
Did you know?
- In some Shona dialects, the way one says ambuya can change depending on whether the grandmother is paternal or maternal.
- In Shona culture, you might call an elderly woman Ambuya even if she is not your biological grandmother, as it serves as a mark of high respect.
- It is common for children to call their great-grandmother ambuya as well, as Shona typically does not have a separate common word for 'great-grandmother'.
Examples in context
- Ambuya vangu vanondida.My grandma loves me.
- Ambuya vakapfeka zvakanaka.Grandma is dressed well.
Example conversation
Kudzai and Nyasha are talking about their family visit.
- KudzaiUye ambuya vako vakufamba?And is your grandma doing well?
- NyashaEhe, ambuya vakasimba zvikuru.Yes, grandma is very strong.
- KudzaiNdinofara kunzwa izvozvo.I am happy to hear that.
- NyashaNdizvo, tichavashanya mazuva anouya.That's right, we will visit her in the coming days.
