bà ngoại
[ʔɓaː˨˩ ŋwaːj˧˨ʔ]
The English phrase "grandma on mom's side" is translated into Vietnamese as bà ngoại.
Bà ngoại is the standard way to refer to a maternal grandmother in both formal and informal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of bà (grandmother) and ngoại (maternal/outside).
Did you know?
- The term ngoại meaning 'outside' reflects an ancient custom where a woman was considered to have left her original family upon marriage, thus becoming part of the 'outside' or maternal lineage.
- While the word bà for grandmother is related to Chinese characters, the Vietnamese word for grandfather, ông, comes from a completely different root meaning 'old man' rather than the Chinese counterpart.
- In Vietnamese culture, the distinction between bà ngoại and the paternal grandmother bà nội is strictly maintained, as the two roles historically carried different statuses within the household.
Examples in context
- Chào Bà Ngoại Thủy, Bà có nhớ cháu không?Hello, Grandma Thủy, do you remember me?
- Bà ngoại của tôi rất hiền.My grandma on mom's side is very kind.
- Tôi đi thăm bà ngoại vào cuối tuần.I am visiting my grandma on mom's side this weekend.
- Bà ngoại nấu ăn rất ngon.My grandma on mom's side cooks very well.
Example conversation
Chi and Nam are talking about their family during a lunch break.
- ChiNam ơi, bà ngoại của bạn có khỏe không?Nam, is your grandma on mom's side doing well?
- NamBà ngoại mình khỏe, cảm ơn Chi nhé.My grandma on mom's side is well, thanks Chi.
- ChiKhi nào bạn về thăm bà ngoại?When are you going to visit your grandma on mom's side?
- NamMình sẽ về thăm bà vào tháng sau.I will go visit her next month.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bà ngoại, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bà, bà ngoại, ngoại, CC BY-SA 4.0.
