外公
wàigōng
The Chinese word for grandpa is 外公 (wàigōng).
外公 is an informal noun used to refer to a maternal grandfather, which is your mother's father.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 外, meaning 'outside' and 公, a respectful term for an elder male or grandfather. The use of 'outside' reflects the traditional distinction in Chinese culture that the mother's side of the family is considered the 'outside' family.
Which one should you use?
外公 specifically refers to a maternal grandfather. In contrast, 爷爷 is used to refer to a paternal grandfather (your father's father).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern China or other regions, the term 公公 (gōnggōng) is often used to refer to a husband's father, but it can also be used affectionately to mean grandpa.
How do you pronounce it?
wàigōng
Did you know?
- In some families, children use distinct nicknames for their grandfathers that include the city or province where the grandfather lives.
- The character 公 (gōng) also appears in the word for 'public' or 'government', reflecting the grandfather's role as a respected elder and authority figure.
- The concept of 'outside' in 外公 historically stems from the tradition where a daughter married out of her natal clan and joined her husband's family.
Examples in context
- 我们担心着外公和外婆。We're worried about Grandma and Grandpa.This sentence shows how to express concern regarding 外公.Tatoeba #3068506 by serendipity42, translation #247158 by CK
- 外公在花园里。Wàigōng zài huāyuán lǐ.Grandpa is in the garden.
- 我想给外公买礼物。Wǒ xiǎng gěi wàigōng mǎi lǐwù.I want to buy a gift for grandpa.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking in the living room.
- 梓涵 Zihan外公在哪儿？Wàigōng zài nǎ'er?Where is grandpa?
- 伟 Wei外公在睡觉。Wàigōng zài shuìjiào.Grandpa is sleeping.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们小声点。Nà wǒmen xiǎoshēng diǎn.Then let's be quiet.
- 伟 Wei好的，梓涵。Hǎo de, Zǐhán.Okay, Zihan.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
