ಅಜ್ಜಿ
ajji
The Kannada word for grandmother is ಅಜ್ಜಿ (ajji).
ಅಜ್ಜಿ is used to refer to the mother of one's parent.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ajji.
Did you know?
- While 'grandmother' is a specific biological role, in some older Kannada literature, the root of ಅಜ್ಜಿ is linked to the concept of 'noble' or 'venerable' persons.
- In many Kannada households, ಅಜ್ಜಿ is used as a generic term of endearment for any elderly woman, even if there is no blood relation.
- The sound of the double 'j' in ಅಜ್ಜಿ makes it a common example used by linguists to explain the concept of gemination in Dravidian languages.
Examples in context
- ನನ್ನ ಅಜ್ಜಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯವರು.nanna ajji tumba olleyavaru.My grandmother is very kind.
- ಅಜ್ಜಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿಯಿದ್ದಾರೆ?ajji elliyiddare?Where is grandmother?
- ಅಜ್ಜಿ ನಮಗೆ ಕಥೆ ಹೇಳಿದರು.ajji namage kathe helidaru.Grandmother told us a story.
Example conversation
Rahul and Divya are looking at an old family photograph.
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaರಾಹುಲ್, ಈ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿರುವವರು ಯಾರು?Rahul, ī citradalliruvavaru yāru?Rahul, who is this person in the picture?
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಇವರು ನನ್ನ ಅಜ್ಜಿ.ivaru nanna ajji.This is my grandmother.
- ದಿವ್ಯಾ Divyaಅವರು ತುಂಬಾ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.avaru tumbā sundaravāgiddāre.She looks very beautiful.
- ರಾಹುಲ್ Rahulಹೌದು, ದಿವ್ಯಾ, ಅವರು ತುಂಬಾ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯವರು.haudu, Divya, avaru tumbā prītiyavaru.Yes, Divya, she is very loving.
