ยาย
yaai/jaːj˧/
The English word "grandma" is translated into Thai as ยาย (yaai) or ย่า.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ยาย | yaai | /jaːj˧/ |
| ย่า | yâa | /jaː˥˩/ |
These terms are used to refer to a grandmother, but the specific word you choose depends on whether she is your mother's mother or your father's mother.
Which one should you use?
Thai distinguishes between the two sides of the family: ย่า refers specifically to a paternal grandmother, which is your father's mother. In contrast, ยาย refers specifically to a maternal grandmother, which is your mother's mother.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ยาย is yaai (/jaːj˧/).
Did you know?
- Thai people often use ยาย as a polite or affectionate way to address any elderly woman, even if she is a complete stranger and not a biological relative.
- Thai kinship terms are so precise that there are different words for 'grandma' not only based on the parent's side but sometimes based on whether the grandmother is the elder or younger sibling of a grandparent.
- The Thai word ย่า shares a common ancient ancestor with the word for grandmother in many Austronesian languages, such as those spoken in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Examples in context
- คุณยายกำลังทำอาหารอยู่ในครัวkhun-yai kam-lang tham a-han yu nai khruaGrandma is cooking in the kitchen.
- ฉันไปเยี่ยมคุณยายเมื่อวานนี้chan pai yiam khun-yai muea-wan niI visited grandma yesterday.
- คุณยายชอบกินผลไม้มากkhun-yai chop kin phon-la-mai makGrandma likes eating fruit very much.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about their grandmother's health at home.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinคุณยายสบายดีไหมคะkhun-yai sa-bai di mai khaIs grandma doing well?
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณยายแข็งแรงดีครับkhun-yai khaeng-raeng di khrapGrandma is very healthy.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinดีจังเลยค่ะdi chang loei khaThat is great.
- วิทวัส Witthawatเราไปหาคุณยายกันเถอะrao pai ha khun-yai kan thoeLet's go see grandma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries ยาย, ย่า, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ยาย, ย่า, CC BY-SA 4.0.
