dědeček
[ˈɟɛdɛt͡ʃɛk]
The Czech word for grandpa is dědeček. Wiktionary also lists děda.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| dědeček | [ˈɟɛdɛt͡ʃɛk] (narrow) |
| děda | [ˈɟɛda] (narrow) |
Both terms are used to refer to a grandfather, but they carry different nuances of affection and social distance.
Which one should you use?
dědeček is the standard, affectionate term for a grandfather. děda is a more colloquial form that can be used affectionately by grandchildren, but it can also be used to refer to an elderly man in a more general, less personal way, sometimes meaning 'old man'. Because of this, děda can sound slightly more blunt or even disrespectful depending on the tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dědeček changes to dědečkovi when used in the dative case, such as when saying 'to grandpa'. The plural form of dědeček is dědečkové.
Did you know?
- In some rural dialects, the term děda can be used sarcastically to describe someone who is acting stubborn or old-fashioned, regardless of their actual age.
- In Czech culture, it is common to use děda as a friendly nickname for a man who is not a biological relative but is an elder in a community or a long-time family friend.
- Czech has a distinct word for the great-grandfather, praděda, created by adding the prefix pra which means 'ancient' or 'first'.
Examples in context
- Děda mi to koupil!Grandpa bought it for me!This sentence shows the use of děda in an informal context.Tatoeba #8314637 by Ergulis, translation #73932 by CK
- Můj děda sfouknul všech devadesát sedm svíček na svém dortu k narozeninám.My grandpa blew out all 97 candles on his birthday cake.This sentence illustrates the use of děda when talking about a grandfather's birthday.Tatoeba #3062667 by nueby, translation #539160 by darinmex
- Dědečku, mohl byste mi vyprávět o tom, jak byl život v minulých letech?Grandpa, could you tell me about life in the past years?
- Můj dědeček je velmi laskavý.My grandpa is very kind.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about their grandfather's visit.
- JakubKdy přijede náš dědeček?When is our grandpa coming?
- LucieDědeček přijede zítra odpoledne.Grandpa is coming tomorrow afternoon.
- JakubMám pro něj dárek.I have a gift for him.
- LucieBude z toho moc šťastný.He will be very happy about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries dědeček, děda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
