दादाजी
dadaji
The Hindi word for grandpa is दादाजी (dadaji).
In certain regions, speakers may also use Baba ji or Nana ji to address a grandfather.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the root दादा, which means grandfather and the honorific suffix जी, which is added to show respect.
Which one should you use?
While दादाजी refers specifically to a paternal grandfather, the term नानाजी is used to refer to a maternal grandfather.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the terms Baba ji or Nana ji might be used to address grandfathers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix जी is an honorific suffix added to the root to show respect to the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
dadaji
Did you know?
- The word दादा is also used as a slang term in Mumbai for a local gang leader or a 'big brother' figure who commands authority over a territory.
- Hindi possesses a specific vocabulary for each side of the family, meaning a speaker can specify which side of the family tree a grandfather belongs to without ever using the words 'paternal' or 'maternal'.
- In many Indian cultures, adding the honorific जी is so essential that addressing a grandfather as just दादा could be perceived as disrespectful or overly blunt.
Examples in context
- मेरे दादाजी बहुत अच्छे हैं।mere dadaji bahut achhe hain.My grandpa is very kind.
- दादाजी कहाँ हैं?dadaji kahan hain?Where is grandpa?
- दादाजी कहानी सुना रहे हैं।dadaji kahani suna rahe hain.Grandpa is telling a story.
Example conversation
A girl and a boy are talking at home.
- नेहा Nehaक्या आपने दादाजी को देखा?kya aapne dadaji ko dekha?Have you seen grandpa?
- आदित्य Adityaनहीं, दादाजी अभी बाहर हैं।nahin, dadaji abhi bahar hain.No, grandpa is outside right now.
- नेहा Nehaवह बहुत देर तक नहीं रुकेंगे।vah bahut der tak nahin rukenge.He won't be long.
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, वह जल्दी आ जाएँगे।haan, vah jaldi aa jayenge.Yes, he will come back soon.
