παππούς
pappoús/paˈpus/masculine
The Greek word for grandpa is παππούς (pappoús). Wiktionary also lists πάππος (páppos).
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| παππούς | pappoús | /paˈpus/ | masculine |
| πάππος | páppos | masculine |
This term is used to refer to a grandfather in an informal or common way. You may also encounter more affectionate versions or more biological terms depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While παππούς is the common way to say 'grandpa', the form πάππος is a more formal or biological term for 'grandfather'. Additionally, παππούδα serves as a more affectionate, diminutive form of grandpa often used by young children.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing your grandpa directly, use the form παππού instead of the nominative παππούς.
How do you pronounce it?
pappoús
Did you know?
- The root of παππούς is a 'nursery word' based on the sound babies make, which is why it sounds similar to 'papa' in many other languages.
- In some traditional Greek village contexts, the παππούς was historically the ultimate legal and social authority of the extended household.
- The word παππούς is actually a diminutive of an even older word for 'dad', which is πάππας.
Examples in context
- Ο παππούς μου πολέμησε στον Β’ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο.My grandpa fought in World War II.This sentence is useful for talking about a grandfather's history using παππούς.
- Θα πάω να επισκεφτώ τον παππού μου.I'm going to visit my grandpa.
- Ο παππούς σου θα είναι χαρούμενος!Your grandpa will be happy!
- Ο παππούς μου είναι ο καλύτερος!My grandpa is the best!
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Dimitris are looking at an old family photo.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠοιος είναι αυτός ο παππούς;Poíos eínai aftós o pappoús?Who is this grandpa?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι ο παππούς μου, ο Γιώργος.Eínai o pappoús mou, o Giórgos.That is my grandpa, George.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜοιάζεις πολύ μαζί του!Moíazeis polý mazí tou!You look a lot like him!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, όλοι το λένε.Nai, óloi to lénen.Yes, everyone says that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries παππούς, πάππος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries παππούς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
