外婆
wàipó
The phrase "grandma on mother's side" in Chinese is 外婆 (wàipó).
外婆 is used to refer to the mother of one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 外 (wài), meaning 'outside' and 婆 (pó), meaning 'old woman' or 'grandmother'. Literally, it implies a grandmother from the 'outside' lineage, referring to the mother's side of the family.
Which one should you use?
While 外婆 is the standard term, 姥姥 (lǎolao) is a common alternative specifically used in Northern China to refer to the maternal grandmother. In contrast, 奶奶 (nǎinai) is used specifically for the paternal grandmother (the father's side).
Is it said differently in some regions?
姥姥 is used specifically in Northern China.
How do you pronounce it?
wàipó
Did you know?
- The term 外 in 外婆 reflects an ancient patriarchal social structure where a married woman was considered to have left her original family and entered the 'outside' of her children's lineage.
- In some traditional Chinese families, the paternal grandmother 奶奶 was historically viewed as the primary matriarch of the household, while the maternal grandmother 外婆 was a visiting relative.
- The character 婆 in 外婆 is also used in the word 婆婆 (pópó), which can refer to a grandmother or a mother-in-law depending on the regional dialect.
Examples in context
- 祝外祖母生日快乐！祝您健康快乐！Happy birthday, grandma! I wish you good health and happiness.
- 我经常去外婆家。Wǒ jīngcháng qù wàipó jiā.I often go to my grandma's house.
- 外婆做的菜非常好吃。Wàipó zuò de cài fēicháng hǎochī.The food my grandma makes is delicious.
- 你外婆身体怎么样？Nǐ wàipó shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?How is your grandma's health?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family during a weekend.
- 俊杰 Junjie你周末打算做什么？Nǐ zhōumò dǎsuàn zuò shénme?What are you planning to do this weekend?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我要去看望外婆。Wǒ yào qù kànwàng wàipó.I am going to visit my grandma.
- 俊杰 Junjie外婆住在哪里？Wàipó zhù zài nǎlǐ?Where does your grandma live?
- 佳怡 Jiayi她住在郊区。Tā zhù zài jiāoqū.She lives in the suburbs.
