じいちゃん
jiichancasual, affectionate
A casual, affectionate word for "grandpa" in Japanese is じいちゃん (jiichan). The more neutral form is おじいちゃん (ojiichan). It is also called じっちゃん (jicchan) and じじい (jijii).
Meaning: grandfather, casual forms (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| じいちゃん | jiichan | casual, affectionate |
| じっちゃん | jicchan | casual, rural, warm |
| じじい | jijii | rude, insulting |
じいちゃん (jiichan) is what grandchildren often say at home. じっちゃん (jicchan) has a similar warm tone. Add お for a gentler form, おじいちゃん (ojiichan).
Which one should you use?
The polite word is 祖父 (sofu) for your own grandfather, or おじいさん (ojiisan) for somebody else's.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid じじい (jijii). Said about an old man, it is a rude word like "old geezer". Among family it can also be a rough joke, but it is not safe for outsiders.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word for "grandma" is built in the same way, as in ばあちゃん (baachan).
Examples in context
- じいちゃん、遊びに来たよ。Jiichan, asobi ni kita yo.Grandpa, I came to visit.
- おじいちゃんの家に行く。Ojiichan no ie ni iku.I am going to Grandpa's house.
- 祖父は元気です。Sofu wa genki desu.My grandfather is well.
Example conversation
Kenji visits Grandpa in the countryside.
- Kenjiじいちゃん、ただいま!Jiichan, tadaima!Grandpa, I am home!
- Grandpaおかえり。大きくなったな。Okaeri. Ookiku natta na.Welcome back. You have grown.
- Kenjiお土産があるよ。Omiyage ga aru yo.I have a souvenir.
