Tony Neil
When it comes to family, the Chinese language offers a rich vocabulary to express different relationships. In this guide, we will explore how to say “grandmother on mother’s side” in Chinese. We will cover both formal and informal expressions, focusing on standard Mandarin Chinese. Let’s dive in!
Formal Ways to Say Grandmother on Mother’s Side
In formal situations, it is common to use respectful terms to address family members. Here are a few ways to say “grandmother on mother’s side” formally:
1. 外祖母 (wài zǔ mǔ)
The term 外祖母 (wài zǔ mǔ) is commonly used to address your maternal grandmother. It is a formal term that shows respect towards your grandmother.
2. 母系祖母 (mǔ xì zǔ mǔ)
Another formal term to refer to your grandmother on your mother’s side is 母系祖母 (mǔ xì zǔ mǔ). This expression specifically denotes the maternal lineage.
Informal Ways to Say Grandmother on Mother’s Side
Informal expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations within the family. When referring to your grandmother on your mother’s side informally, you can use the following terms:
1. 婆婆 (pó po)
The term 婆婆 (pó po) is a casual way to address your grandmother on your mother’s side. It is affectionate and commonly used among family members.
2. 阿婆 (ā pó)
阿婆 (ā pó) is another informal term used to refer to your grandmother on your mother’s side. It has a warm and friendly tone, often used by grandchildren to address their grandmother.
Examples of Using Grandmother on Mother’s Side in Chinese
To help you understand the usage of these terms, let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1:
English: “My grandmother on my mother’s side is coming for dinner tonight.”
Mandarin: “我母亲这边的祖母今晚要来吃饭。”
Pinyin: “Wǒ mǔ qīn zhè biān de zǔ mǔ jīn wǎn yào lái chī fàn.”
Example 2:
English: “Happy birthday, grandma! I wish you good health and happiness.”
Mandarin: “祝外祖母生日快乐！祝您健康快乐！”
Pinyin: “Zhù wài zǔ mǔ shēng rì kuài lè! Zhù nín jiàn kāng kuài lè!”
Conclusion
Now you know how to say “grandmother on mother’s side” in formal and informal ways in Chinese. Remember to use the appropriate term based on the context and level of formality. Practice using these expressions with your Mandarin-speaking family members, and deepen your connection through the power of language!
