nain
/nai̯n/
The Welsh word for grandma is nain.
nain is used to refer to a grandmother in an informal context.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/nai̯n/
Did you know?
- The Welsh nain is a linguistic relative of the Ancient Greek word nánna, as both evolved from a shared Proto-Indo-European root.
- In some Welsh dialects, particularly in the north, you might hear mam-gu used for grandma instead of nain.
- The word nain is an example of a 'reduplicative' word, where repeated sounds are used across many global languages to express intimacy.
Examples in context
- Bore da, MamguGood morning, Grandma
- Diolch, MamguThank you, Grandma
- Dw i'n gweld Mamgu y penwythnos nesafI'm seeing Grandma next weekend
- Sut mae dy nain?How is your grandma?
Example conversation
Owain and Sian are talking about their family visit.
- OwainYdy nain yn dod i wisgit?Is grandma coming to visit?
- SianYdy, mae hi'n cyrraedd yfaliywn wyth.Yes, she arrives at eight.
- OwainDa iawn, bydd nain yn hapus.Very good, grandma will be happy.
- SianYn sicr, mae hi'n caru ni.For sure, she loves us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nain, CC BY-SA 4.0.
