бабу́ся
babúsjafeminine
The Ukrainian word for "grandma" is бабу́ся (babúsja). Wiktionary also lists ба́бця (bábcja).
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| бабу́ся | babúsja | feminine |
| ба́бця | bábcja | feminine |
The word бабу́ся is the most common term used to say grandmother in Ukrainian. You can also use Бабуля as an informal, casual and affectionate way to refer to a grandmother. To say "my grandma", use the phrase моя бабуся.
Which one should you use?
While бабу́ся is the most common affectionate way to say grandma, the form ба́бця is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a grandmother directly, use the vocative form Бабусю. The form бабу́ся changes its ending to бабу́сі when used in the genitive, dative or locative singular cases.
How do you pronounce it?
babúsja
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian folklore and fairy tales, the figure of баба often appears as a powerful or mystical character, such as the forest witch Баба Яга.
- In many parts of Ukraine, calling a woman бабуся is not just a way to name a relative, but a respectful way to address any elderly woman in the street.
- If you want to sound particularly old-fashioned or rustic, you might hear the word баба, though you should be careful as this can also be used as a somewhat rude or blunt way to describe a woman.
Examples in context
- Бабусю, я вас люблю!Grandma, I love you!
- Я щаслива, що у мене така чудова бабуля.I'm happy to have such a wonderful grandma.
- У нашій сім'ї бабуля – головна.In our family, grandma is the one in charge.
- Моя бабу́ся дуже добра.Moya babusia duzhe dobra.My grandma is very kind.
- Бабу́ся спекла смачний пиріг.Babusia spekla smachnyi pyrizh.Grandma baked a delicious pie.
- Де зараз твоя бабу́ся?De zaraz tvoya babusia?Where is your grandma now?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
