nagymama
[ˈnɒɟmɒmɒ]
The English word grandmother is translated into Hungarian as nagymama. Wiktionary also lists nagyanya.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA |
|---|---|
| nagymama | [ˈnɒɟmɒmɒ] (narrow) |
| nagyanya | [ˈnɒɟɒɲɒ] (narrow) |
The term refers to the mother of one's parent.
What does it mean word for word?
The form nagyanya is a compound consisting of nagy, meaning big or great and anya, meaning mother.
Which one should you use?
While both forms refer to a grandmother, nagymama is often used as an endearing term or as a direct address, similar to the English 'grandma' or 'granny'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are addressing a grandmother directly, you can use the form Nagymama! as a vocative.
Did you know?
- In Hungarian, the word anya for 'mother' is used as a root in many common idioms and slang expressions that have nothing to do with family members.
- In some Hungarian dialects, especially in rural areas, you might hear 'nagyi' as a shortened, affectionate version of nagyanya.
- The word nagy in nagyanya does not refer to the grandmother's physical size, but rather her seniority and status within the family hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Nagymama nagyon szeret tévét nézni.Grandmother takes great delight in watching television.This sentence shows the use of nagymama to describe a grandmother's hobby.Tatoeba #676526 by szaby78, translation #64939 by darinmex
- Nagymama küldött nekünk egy láda almát.Grandmother sent us a box of apples.This sentence shows the use of nagymama in the context of a gift.Tatoeba #2303521 by Aleksandro40, translation #273910 by CK
- Nagymama leszel.You're going to be a grandmother.This sentence shows the use of nagymama to describe someone's future role.Tatoeba #11525563 by maaster, translation #11525567 by maaster
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandmother” translations and entries nagymama, nagyanya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
